Maheshwari Chauhan, born on July 4, 1996, in Siana, Rajasthan, is a remarkable Indian skeet shooter whose journey from a casual hobby to Olympic contender is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up in a family that cherished shooting, she first picked up a shotgun at the tender age of 12, spending joyful days at her family’s shooting range alongside her grandfather and father. What began as a fun pastime soon transformed into a serious pursuit, fueled by her father’s encouragement and her own determination.
Her breakthrough came in 2017 when she clinched a bronze medal at the Asian Championships, marking her as the first Indian woman to achieve this feat in skeet shooting. This pivotal moment not only boosted her confidence but also paved the way for her to represent India on the international stage. Fast forward to 2024, Maheshwari finished fourth in the mixed skeet event at the Paris Olympics, narrowly missing out on a bronze medal by just one point. Her recent accomplishments include securing a quota for the Olympics, allowing India to field two women in skeet shooting for the first time.
Maheshwari’s training regimen is rigorous, focusing on technique and mental fortitude, guided by national coach Vikram Singh Chopra. She believes that success in shooting is not just about precision but also about enjoying the process. As she continues to break barriers, Maheshwari remains a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes, proving that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible.