True sportsmanship and stories of unwavering resolve often transcend the mere tally of medals and victories. The life story of Kesar Parik, a remarkable 13-year-old shooter from Rajasthan, serves as a shining testament to this spirit. Having lost her right hand in a tragic road accident during her childhood, Kesar refused to let this physical limitation define her or hinder her aspirations. Despite picking up the sport of shooting just six to eight months ago, this young prodigy has scripted history by clinching an astounding 5 gold medals and 1 silver medal, making a total of 6 medals, at the prestigious 45th North Zone Shooting Championship 2026.
Shining Bright at the Dehradun Championship
The historic feat was achieved at the Trishul Shooting Range, located inside the Maharana Pratap Sports College in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Competing in the highly competitive rifle event, Kesar demonstrated exemplary skill, focus, and poise. Winning six medals simultaneously at a major regional platform at the tender age of 13 is an extraordinary accomplishment. What makes her journey even more fascinating is the incredibly short span of time in which she mastered the sport. Instead of starting at an early age, she took up shooting very recently and rapidly climbed the ranks of competitive sports.
Rigorous Daily Training and Absolute Focus
After embracing the sport about 6 to 8 months ago, Kesar integrated rigorous practice sessions into her daily routine as a non-negotiable commitment. At the Eklavya Sports Shooting Academy in Jaipur, she undergoes intense training sessions lasting about 6 to 8 hours every single day. During these demanding sessions, her primary focus remains on perfecting her body balance, mastering advanced shooting techniques, and building immense psychological strength. Kesar meticulously observes and implements the subtle technical details that top-tier international athletes use to stay at the pinnacle of their game.
Overcoming Tragedy with Family Support
Kesar's journey has not been without its dark phases. The road accident during her childhood, which resulted in the amputation of her right hand, was a devastating event that could have easily shattered any child's confidence. However, her family stood as an unbreakable pillar of support, ensuring she never viewed herself as less capable than anyone else. Her parents continuously bolstered her morale and pushed her to pursue her ambitions fearlessly. Empowered by this relentless domestic support, Kesar stepped into the shooting arena and proved that physical challenges are never the ultimate barrier to achieving one's dreams.
The Strategic Mentorship of Coach Yogesh Shekhawat
Behind Kesar's phenomenal rise is the dedication of her coach, Yogesh Shekhawat, alongside her parents' constant support. According to her coach, Kesar is an exceptionally disciplined and diligent sportsperson. She possesses a rare ability to grasp complex shooting techniques swiftly and successfully apply them during her training. Her sheer passion for shooting and her constant desire to learn set her apart from her peers. Prior to this, Kesar had also showcased her immense talent at the Rajasthan State Shooting Championship, where she bagged 4 medals. With her latest haul in the North Zone, her overall medal tally has reached a double-digit figure.
A Legacy Linked to Paralympic Glory
Kesar’s athletic trajectory shares a deep connection with her coach’s distinguished career in para-sports. Coach Yogesh Shekhawat is well-known for his association with elite para-shooting. Under his tutelage, renowned para-shooter Mona Agarwal brought immense pride to the nation by winning a bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics 2024. Following in those footsteps, Kesar's emerging journey is being seen as the next big chapter in Indian para-shooting. Her family and mentors are highly optimistic that she will soon represent India on international platforms, aiming for prestigious global titles and Olympic glory.
