“We still have a lot more in us”: Maheshwari Chauhan on historic bronze
Indian shooter Maheshwari Chauhan reflects on the historic women's skeet team bronze and sets her sights on the LA 2028 Olympics.
Indian shooter Maheshwari Chauhan has expressed deep gratitude following the women’s skeet team's historic bronze medal win at the Asian Games 2026. Reflecting on the achievement, Chauhan emphasized that while the team is celebrating a milestone, their journey is far from over.
The Indian trio, consisting of Maheshwari Chauhan, Raiza Dhillon, and Parinaaz Dhaliwal, secured third place with a combined score of 331. The performance was particularly significant as it marked India’s first-ever Asian Games medal in the women’s skeet team event. In the competition, Dhaliwal and Dhillon each scored 111 out of 125, while Chauhan contributed a solid 109.
Overwhelming Support and Historic Milestone
Upon returning from Japan, Chauhan noted that the reception from fans and supporters has been incredibly moving. Speaking to the media, she shared her excitement about being part of a landmark moment for Indian shooting.
"I'm extremely overwhelmed by all the love and affection and appreciation that's come my way. I do feel like we have a long way to go, but it's really nice and reassuring to see this kind of support," Chauhan said.
She further highlighted the synergy within the team, stating that she felt fortunate to compete alongside Dhillon and Dhaliwal. "I think Parinaaz, Raiza and I, we try to just do our best... we still have a lot more in us, but we're very happy to be coming back with a medal," she added.
Eyes on the Prize: LA 2028 Olympics
Despite the joy of the bronze, Chauhan is already looking toward the future. The high-pressure environment in Japan served as a vital testing ground for the shooters, and Chauhan has officially set her sights on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
The competition in Japan presented varying conditions over three days, which Chauhan viewed as a crucial learning experience. "It's great to go out and test the best... LA 2028 is the target for me now," she declared.
NRAI Focus on Athlete Mindset and Growth
Dr. Pierre Beauchamp, the High-Performance Director (HPD) of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), also weighed in on the contingent's performance. He viewed the Asian Games as a necessary stepping stone for the athletes to experience the intensity of a major multi-sport event.
Beauchamp noted that his primary concern is the psychological development of the shooters. "I want them shooting for gold and to maximise the number of medals that we take in every competition," he explained.
India's shooting campaign concluded with a total of 15 medals (three gold, eight silver, and four bronze). While this was lower than the 22 medals won at the 2022 Hangzhou Games, Beauchamp remains optimistic, noting that athletes require time to mature and gain experience.
The Road Ahead: Doha World Championships
The Indian shooting squad will not have much downtime. The immediate focus shifts to the World Championships in Doha, scheduled from October 29 to November 15. This upcoming tournament will be a critical battleground as the team begins its pursuit of Olympic quota places for the LA 2028 Games.