Bull’s-eye: Three MP shooters make 30-member Indian squad picked for Asian Games

Bhopal: Three shooters from Madhya Pradesh hit bull’s eye as they were named on Thursday in the 30-member Indian shooting contingent for the 20th Asian Games. Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, Manisha Keer and Ashi Chouksey featured in the squad released by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI).

Tomar, a leading figure in India’s rifle programme, was selected for the men’s 50m Rifle Three Positions event and is expected to shoulder the nation’s expectations.

The event, which requires competitors to perform across kneeling, prone and standing positions, demands technical precision and consistent scoring under pressure.

Selection committee members cited Tomar’s recent competitive form and international experience as key reasons for his inclusion, saying his ability to deliver in high-stakes situations makes him a pivotal member of India’s medal bid at the Aichi Prefectural General Shooting Range from September 17 to October 3.

On the shotgun front, Manisha Keer secured a berth in the women’s Trap team, while Keer would join Neeru and Aashima Ahlawat to form India’s three-woman Trap combination. The NRAI said Keer’s steadiness and tactical acumen on the clay range prompted her selection as part of India’s 12-strong shotgun unit, which will target podium finishes in both individual and team events.

Shotgun events have grown increasingly competitive in Asia, the selectors said, adding that the momentum gained in recent international events played a role in shaping the squad.

Ashi Chouksey completed the MP trio after being named to the women’s 50m Rifle Three Positions line-up. Chouksey will contest the event alongside Vidarsa K Vinod and Tilottama Sen. The selection highlights India’s depth in rifle disciplines, where endurance, technique and mental resilience across three shooting positions are crucial for success.

NRAI president Kalikesh Singh Deo said finalising the squad was “challenging given the exceptional depth and quality of talent in Indian shooting.” He noted that although India had slots for 36 events, the final contingent had to be trimmed to 30.

The Selection Committee and the High Performance team said they prioritised current form, international records and medal potential when naming the squad.

The announcement comes as India prepares to send a mix of experience and emerging talent to Aichi-Nagoya, aiming to bolster its medal tally in shooting — a sport that has long been a dependable source of international medals for the country. With seasoned campaigners like Tomar and promising shooters such as Keer and Chouksey, expectations will be high as the team shoots for glory in September.