RevSportz Exclusive
Indian sports shooter, Maheshwari Chauhan is India’s first woman to win an international medal in the skeet event. In the Paris Olympics, Chauhan along with Anant Naruka missed a mixed-skeet medal, finishing 4th with a 43-44 score, which would have been a historic medal for India.
Chauhan, currently competing in the ISSF Shotgun World Cup in Nicosia, Cyprus, spoke exclusively to RevSportz on this phase of the World Cup, her preparations, the narrow miss in Paris and more.
Rohan: The 2025 calendar has started with the World Cups in Argentina and Peru where the Indian contingent did well, winning 15 medals. Your campaign starts with the Cyprus Shotgun World Cup — how are you looking forward to it?
Maheshwari: The 2025 calendar has definitely started on a high note for Indian shooting and it’s been inspiring to see our contingent perform so well at the World Cups in Argentina and Peru. It sets the tone for the rest of the season. For me, the Cyprus Shotgun World Cup is exciting. It’s always good to test yourself and assess where you stand. I’m looking forward to getting into the competition mode and building momentum from here.
Rohan: The Indian shooting contingent has a huge pool of talented shooters, who have impressed in the rifle and pistol events. How do you see it for the Shotgun event?
Maheshwari: It’s been incredible to see how the rifle and pistol shooters have raised the bar in recent years. Shotgun too has a lot of promising young shooters coming up. It’s a different discipline with its own rhythm and challenges but the talent is definitely there. And I feel we’re moving in the right direction with more structure and exposure.
Rohan: What’s the most challenging part of shotgun events and what makes it special for you?
Maheshwari: The most challenging part of shotgun shooting is that how much of it is about mental consistency. You have just a few chances to get it right and there’s no second shot. That pressure, combined with outdoor variables like wind and light, makes it unique. But that’s also what makes it so special; to be in a constant battle with yourself, to stay composed and focused.
Rohan: What’s your training routine — both the physical and the mental aspect? If there are specific regimes that you follow, please walk us through them.
Maheshwari: My training is a mix of technical practice on the range, physical fitness, and mental conditioning. Physically, strength and endurance training are essential. I like to spend long hours on the range. Mentally, I work with techniques like visualisation, breathing exercises, and artwork to stay calm and focused. Mental resilience plays a huge role in high-pressure competitions, so it’s something I focus on consistently.
Rohan: How is the NRAI supporting the growth of the sport in the country? Thoughts on the trials and how difficult and challenging it is?
Maheshwari: The NRAI has been supportive in creating more opportunities and exposure for shooters through camps and international competitions. The trials, like any, are always going to be intense. It’s designed to bring out the best in you. It keeps you on your toes and while it’s tough, it also helps push the standards higher, which is ultimately good for the sport.
Rohan: Who is your biggest inspiration in your sport and why?
Maheshwari: I’ve always drawn inspiration from athletes who show consistency, resilience and grace under pressure. In shooting, we’ve had some amazing champions across disciplines who’ve paved the way. I try to learn from their journeys and apply what resonates with me.
Also Read: Palak Gulia: Not making it to Paris Olympics was disappointing; now looking ahead to the Munich World Cup
Rohan: What are your plans for this year?
Maheshwari: The year ahead is packed with important events, with World Cups, Asian Championships, and of course, the build-up towards the Olympic cycle. My focus is to take it one competition at a time, stay in the present and keep working on areas that I can improve.
Rohan: The mixed-skeet team competition gives way to mixed-trap team event in the LA28 Olympics. What do you have to say on that?
Maheshwari: It’s always evolving and with the mixed skeet making way for the mixed trap event in LA28, it’s definitely a change. While it’s disappointing for us – skeet shooters – the broader goal is to support the sport and adapt. Hopefully, more opportunities for skeet will return in the future and we’ll keep working to grow the sport and awareness.
Rohan: The near miss in the mixed event in Paris. It would have changed the scenario of the sport. Your thoughts on it?
Maheshwari: The mixed event in Paris was definitely a near miss and it could have been a game-changer in terms of visibility for Shotgun. But these moments also teach us to stay hungry and motivated. The experience was invaluable, and it has only made me more determined to work harder and come back stronger.
