India Today ·
How Aashima Ahlawat struck a deal with her mother: 98.6% in boards to Asian Games
Aashima Ahlawat has been named in India's women's trap team for the 2026 Asian Games after a rapid rise in shotgun shooting. Her selection follows years of family sacrifice, strong academic results and steady progress towards an Olympic berth.
Aashima Ahlawat's journey from scoring 98.6 per cent in Class 12 to earning a place in India's Asian Games shooting team began with a deal with her mother. After overcoming early hurdles and winning an Asian bronze, the 22-year-old is now eyeing her Olympic dream while making her Asian Games debut in Aichi-Nagoya.
At 18, Aashima Ahlawat picked up a pistol before finding her calling in shotgun, but the switch came with a condition. Her mother wanted proof that shooting would not come at the cost of academics. Ahlawat delivered, scoring 98.6 per cent in her Class 12 board examinations and earning the freedom to pursue the sport seriously.
Four years later, the 22-year-old from Rohtak, Haryana, is part of India’s shooting contingent for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) named her in the women’s trap team alongside Neeru Dhanda and Manisha Keer.