KOLHAPUR, INDIA: For Kolhapur’s Sonam Maskar, taking up shooting almost by chance and now preparing to represent India at the 20th Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, has been a remarkable journey built on perseverance and significant sacrifices made by her family.
The 23-year-old 10m air rifle shooter will be part of the Indian contingent travelling to Japan, with the shooting competition at the Asian Games scheduled from September 17 to October 3 at the Aichi Prefectural General Shooting Gallery. Behind Sonam’s rise to the international stage lies a period of financial challenges.
As she began taking shooting seriously, the cost of owning professional equipment became a hurdle, particularly when her family was navigating financial difficulties following the COVID-19 pandemic. It was then that her father, Uttam Maruti Maskar, sold a property to ensure his daughter had the equipment needed to pursue her ambitions.
“There was a time when we were facing financial difficulties, especially around the lockdown period. When it became clear that I needed my own equipment to progress further in shooting, my father sold a property so that we could buy it. It was a big decision for our family, but they have always supported me,” Sonam Maskar recalled.
“I started shooting as a hobby” – Sonam Maskar
A professional career in shooting, however, had never initially been part of Maskar’s plans. Her first brush with the sport came in 2018 while studying at Tolani College of Commerce in Mumbai.
“I was always interested in sports, and I used to play chess as well. I thought I should try something different, so I initially took up shooting. I started shooting as a hobby, but it soon became something I wanted to build my career around,” she said.
After the pandemic interrupted her early journey, Sonam began pursuing 10m air rifle shooting seriously in 2021, training at the Kolhapur shooting range. Her rise thereafter was swift. Among her most cherished achievements is the silver medal at the 2024 ISSF World Cup Final in New Delhi.
“The World Cup Final medal in Delhi in 2024 is one of the most special moments of my career. Winning a silver medal in front of the home crowd was a very memorable experience for me,” Maskar said.
“The preparations for the Asian Games are going well” – Sonam Maskar
Her international performances, including her success at the Cairo World Cup in 2024, also opened the door for her to represent the Railways. Now, Sonam Maskar’s focus is firmly on the Asian Games.
She is currently working with foreign coach Farnik Thomas, as well as her Indian coaches in the team, as she prepares for the Asian Games. Maskar also expressed her gratitude towards everyone who has supported her throughout her journey.
“I am extremely grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout this journey. My family has always stood by me, and I am also thankful to my sponsors, OGQ, the NRAI, SAI NCOE, Railways and my entire support staff for constantly supporting me and helping me grow as an athlete,” Sonam Maskar said.
“The preparations for the Asian Games are going well. I am currently working with my coach, Farnik Thomas, as well as many Indian coaches in the team, and the focus is on preparing in the best possible way for the competition,” she concluded.
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[This story has been generated from a syndicated feed and contains only minor edits]
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