Asian Games: ‘Life has come to a full circle,’ says Aashima after trap team silver

Nagoya, Sep 29 (IANS) Aashima Ahlawat described her Asian Games team silver medal as a dream fulfilled after the Indian women’s trap team overcame difficult weather conditions to finish second at the Aichi-Nagoya Games on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in the young shooter’s rapid rise since taking up the sport in 2021.

The trio of Aashima, Neeru Dhanda and Manisha Keer, helped India secure the silver with a combined score of 328 in the women’s trap team event at the Aichi Pref. General Shooting Gallery. China won gold with 346, while Kuwait took bronze with 325.

“This medal means a lot to me. Because when I started shooting, I always wanted to join an Asian Games team and win a medal. So, when I got this medal, I couldn’t believe that it happened. This feeling is very good. And it feels like life has come to a full circle,” Aashima told IANS.

The medal was won in conditions that Aashima felt played into India’s hands. With rain affecting the competition, the Indian trio managed to maintain their composure while several of their rivals struggled to cope.

“This performance was not easy. We have been competing with Qatar and Kuwait for the past 1-2 days. Today’s weather helped us a lot. Other countries were not able to survive. We survived this weather and jumped from bronze to silver. So, it’s a very good feeling,” she added.

Rather than viewing the weather as an obstacle, Aashima felt it was a situation Indian shooters were better equipped to handle because of the conditions they regularly encounter during domestic competition.

“Of course, because we are used to shooting in the rain in India. Our selection trials are also in such conditions. And our training is also in such conditions. So, it didn’t make much difference to us. We didn’t choke because of this weather. But, I think many countries were not expecting this. And we pushed in this weather. And we got a silver medal,” she stated.

For Aashima, the result also represents how quickly her career has progressed. She took up shooting in 2021 before making the junior Indian team two years later. After competing as a junior in 2023 and 2024, she stepped into the senior setup in 2025.

“I started shooting in 2021. And in 2023, I joined the junior Indian shooting team. In 2023 and 2024, I was a junior. And in 2025, I became a senior and joined the team. And I got a medal in the Asian Championships, an individual bronze and team gold. And today, I got a team silver. So, I am very happy.”

The silver follows her Asian Championship success and gives Aashima another significant medal barely a year into her senior career.

Her immediate priority, however, is not another competition. “I am waiting to reach Delhi. To meet my family and friends. And I would like to celebrate with them.”

And when asked who she would dedicate the medal to, Aashima had just one answer. “To my mom.”

–IANS

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