New Delhi, August 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
From cycling 14 kilometres to training every day to earning a place at the Asian Games, shooter Aakash Bhardwaj’s journey reflects determination, family sacrifice and a late start to elite sport.
The 21-year-old, who took up shooting only in late 2021, will represent India in the men’s 10m Air Pistol event at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Hailing from Niwaru Road on the outskirts of Jaipur, Bhardwaj grew up in a modest family. His father worked as a commercial driver, earning around Rs 10,000 a month. Before taking up shooting, Bhardwaj competed in athletics and rugby and even won a national bronze medal in rugby. Concerns over contact injuries eventually led him towards an individual sport.
An academy advertisement brought him to a shooting range in 2021, where his natural precision impressed coaches from the outset.
Recalling his family’s support, Bhardwaj said his father bought his first pistol using a credit card after recognising his potential, while his elder brother Subham paid his monthly academy fees from his earnings.
His early training involved considerable hardship. Bhardwaj walked, took lifts from motorists or cycled 14 km to reach Marudhara Sports Shooting Academy on Kalwar Road. He saved Rs 10-20 from his daily travel allowance to buy basic nutrition and training pellets.
Without a personal coach initially, he developed his own conditioning programme, spending six to seven hours a day on dumbbell exercises and dry-fire drills. He carefully analysed his technique, including changes in shot placement caused by movements such as tilting his neck.
Consistent performances at domestic competitions eventually took him to the national selection trials. Bhardwaj credited the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) for providing a transparent selection process and timely administrative support.
He earned his Asian Games berth through ranking points accumulated across the selection trials and said the federation’s assistance with equipment clearance, logistics and other formalities allowed him to focus on competition.
Now preparing for his maiden Asian Games appearance at the Aichi Prefectural General Shooting Gallery, Bhardwaj remains focused on making the most of the opportunity.
“If my journey has taught me one lesson, it is that no hardship can hold you back if you remain dedicated,” he said. “When you believe in your preparation and stay disciplined, results will follow. I am looking forward to giving my absolute best for India in Japan.”
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