Sonam Uttam Maskar, a 23-year-old 10m air rifle shooter from Kolhapur, is set to represent India at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan — a journey made possible, she says, by her father's decision to sell a family property to fund her equipment. The shooting events are scheduled from 17 September to 3 October at the Aichi Prefectural General Shooting Gallery.

A Family's Sacrifice Behind the Ambition

Sonam's path to the Asian Games was shaped as much by financial hardship as by sporting talent. The Covid-19 pandemic strained her family's finances, and when it became clear that professional equipment was essential to her progress, her father took a defining step.

'There was a time when we were facing financial difficulties, especially around the lockdown period. When it became clear that I needed my own equipment to progress further in shooting, my father sold a property so that we could buy it. It was a big decision for our family, but they have always supported me,' Sonam recalled.

From Hobby to National Contender

Sonam's introduction to shooting was entirely unplanned. In 2018, while studying at Tolani College of Commerce in Mumbai, she picked up the sport on a whim — having previously played chess — with no intention of pursuing it professionally.

'I was always interested in sports and I used to play chess as well. I thought I should try something different, so I initially took up shooting. I started shooting as a hobby, but it soon became something I wanted to build my career around,' she said.

After the pandemic disrupted her early momentum, Sonam began focused training at the Kolhapur range in 2021, rapidly building her competitive profile in the 10m air rifle discipline.

International Milestones

Her rise on the global circuit has been swift. A standout moment came at the 2024 ISSF World Cup Final in New Delhi, where she claimed a silver medal in front of a home crowd — an experience she describes as among the most memorable of her career.

'The World Cup Final medal in Delhi in 2024 is one of the most special moments of my career. Winning a silver medal in front of the home crowd was a very memorable experience for me,' she said.

Her victory at the 2024 Cairo World Cup further strengthened her standing and opened the door to representing Railways — a milestone that adds institutional backing to her career.

Asian Games Preparations and Support System

Sonam is currently in focused preparation for Aichi-Nagoya, training under foreign coach Farnik Thomas alongside her Indian team coaches. She credited a broad network of supporters — including her family, sponsors OGQ, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), SAI NCOE, and Railways — for sustaining her journey.

'I am extremely grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout this journey. My family has always stood by me, and I am also thankful to my sponsors, OGQ, the NRAI, SAI NCOE, Railways and my entire support staff for constantly supporting me and helping me grow as an athlete,' she said.

With the Asian Games weeks away, Sonam's story — from a college hobby to continental competition — stands as a reminder of the personal costs and community investment that underpin India's growing shooting pipeline.