From Rugby to Asian Games: Jaipur shooter Aakash Bhardwaj's journey
Synopsis
Aakash Bhardwaj, a marksman from Jaipur who started shooting at 21, will represent India in the Men's 10m Air Pistol at the Asian Games. The son of a driver, his journey was marked by financial hardship, family sacrifice, and intense self-training.
Aakash Bhardwaj did not follow the conventional route of an international shooter. He had never picked up a pistol until the age of 21. Today, the marksman from Jaipur is set to represent India in the Men's 10m Air Pistol event at the upcoming 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Hailing from Niwaru Road on the outskirts of Jaipur, Aakash grew up in a modest household. His father worked long hours as a commercial driver on a monthly income of 10,000 rupees. Before turning to shooting, Aakash pursued athletics and rugby, winning a national bronze medal in rugby. Concerns over contact injuries prompted him to search for an individual sport where personal discipline decided the outcome, according to a press release from NRAI.
A Story of Family Sacrifice
In late 2021, an academy advertisement drew him to the range. His natural precision surprised coaches on his very first day. Reflecting on his family's sacrifices, Aakash Bhardwaj said, "Coming from a background where every rupee counted, shooting felt out of reach at first. My father worked relentlessly as a driver to provide for us. When I showed genuine promise, he bought my first pistol on a credit card. My elder brother Subham covered my monthly academy fees from his own earnings. My father and brother made countless sacrifices so I could pursue this dream without carrying the financial burden."
The Solitary Grind for Success
The daily routine was gruelling. Aakash routinely walked, hitched rides from passers-by, or cycled 14 kilometres to reach the Marudhara Sports Shooting Academy on Kalwar Road. He saved 10 to 20 rupees from his daily travel allowance to purchase basic nutrition and training pellets. Without a personal coach in his formative phase, he designed his own conditioning routine.
Speaking about his solitary training journey, Aakash added, "In the beginning, I had to figure out many things on my own. I would spend six to seven hours every single day doing dumbbell conditioning and dry-fire drills. I used to analyse my errors closely, noting down how my shots shifted whenever my neck tilted. That solitary grind taught me how to stay calm and trust my own hard work."
NRAI's Transparent Selection Process
His breakthrough came through steady domestic scores, eventually propelling him into the national selection trials. Aakash highlighted how the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) provided a level playing field and prompt institutional backing. "When you come from a humble background, you need a system where only your performance matters. The best part of NRAI's selection process is its complete transparency. My selection for the Asian Games was earned strictly through the ranking points accumulated across the trials.
"The administrative team at NRAI has backed me at every turn. Whenever I needed logistical help, equipment clearance, or administrative support, the federation sorted it out immediately. That reassurance lets athletes like me focus entirely on hitting the target."
Determined for the Asian Games
As he prepares for his maiden Asian Games campaign at the Aichi Prefectural General Shooting Gallery, Aakash remains determined. "If my journey has taught me one lesson, it is that no hardship can hold you back if you remain dedicated. 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." (ANI)