Meet Khandwa girl who shot gold at KVS Nat'l Sports Meet

Time of India

5 days ago

Indore: Ashwini Chauhan, a 13-year-old student from Barkhedi village in Khandwa, brought laurels to Madhya Pradesh by clinching gold medal in 10-metre peep sight rifle shooting (under-14 category) at the 54th KVS National Sports Meet 2025.
The event was organised by Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan in Phagwara of Punjab from July 15 to 19
Currently studying in Class 8 at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Khandwa, Ashwini trains at Victory Shooting Club in the town and has also qualified for pre-nationals of the NRAI national championship scheduled for Dec. Despite her initial success, Ashwini's journey was not without challenges. She currently practises with a club-owned rifle, as purchasing a personal professional kit — costing Rs 2-3 lakh — remains out of reach for her family.
Yet, this limitation was never a deterrent. She continues to sharpen her skills, making the most of the limited equipment available to her.
"The club rifle is shared among several shooters and is frequently adjusted to suit each one, which makes it even more challenging for Ashwini to train consistently. Being a middle-class family with three children, it's difficult for us to afford a professional shooting kit for her at the moment," Ashwini's mother Ranu Chauhan told TOI.
Despite the financial hurdles, Ashwini's determination never wavered. Her father, a govt clerk posted in Bhikangaon, lives away from home. Her mother, Ranu, a homemaker and a former state-level shot put player whose own sports dreams were left unfulfilled due to early marriage, takes on the responsibility of nurturing Ashwini's dreams. Every day, she travels 8 km on a scooter, carrying Ashwini and her younger sister Anshika, who is also training in shooting, to the academy.
"We may not have a lot of resources, but I didn't want my daughters to give up on sports the way I had to. They are living the dream I once saw for myself," added Ranu.
Back home, Ashwini was welcomed like a hero after her return from Punjab. Locals gathered with garlands, sweets, and drums, and she was taken on a celebratory rally in an open jeep — marking her moment of pride for the entire district.
Ashwini's sporting journey began at the age of nine with karate in 2020, in which she even won a silver medal at an international tournament in Kathmandu.
But, her mother explored the future prospects of karate for Ashwini, and realised that it might not offer sustainable opportunities in the long run.
Some well-wishers at the ground where Ashwini went for her morning fitness routine suggested to her mother that she should consider enrolling Ashwini in shooting. Since then, she has been under the mentorship of coach Kashif Khan at the shooting club.
"Ashwini has the focus, balance, and patience of a natural shooter.
She never misses a session and puts in the hard work day after day," said coach Kashif.
With a rigorous routine that begins at 5am, Ashwini divides her time between physical training and shooting practice. Ashwini now has her sights set on national and international competitions, with her ultimate dream of winning Olympic gold for India firmly in view.