Three Madhya Pradesh Shooters Selected for Asian Games Squad
Source:times-of-india ↗
Why It Matters
MPPSC Prelims frequently tests candidates on sportspersons from Madhya Pradesh, their respective sporting disciplines (e.g., previous years' questions on Chinki Yadav, Vivek Sagar, and Prachi Yadav), and regional sports accolades. Understanding the representation of MP athletes at major events like the Asian Games is highly relevant.
Summary
Three sportspersons from Madhya Pradesh—Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, Manisha Keer, and Ashi Chouksey—have made it to the 30-member Indian shooting squad for the 20th Asian Games (Aichi-Nagoya 2026). They will represent the nation in rifle and shotgun categories at the Aichi Prefectural General Shooting Range, showcasing MP's immense presence in international shooting disciplines.
Key Points
- Three prominent shooters from Madhya Pradesh—Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, Manisha Keer, and Ashi Chouksey—have been named in the 30-member Indian shooting contingent for the 20th Asian Games in Japan.
- Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, a leading rifle shooter from MP, was selected to represent India in the Men's 50m Rifle Three Positions event.
- Manisha Keer secured a spot on the Women's Trap (shotgun) team alongside Neeru and Aashima Ahlawat.
- Ashi Chouksey was selected for the Women's 50m Rifle Three Positions squad alongside Vidarsa K Vinod and Tilottama Sen.
- The shooting events for the 20th Asian Games are scheduled to take place at the Aichi Prefectural General Shooting Range from September 17 to October 3, 2026.
- The final squad was finalized by the NRAI Selection Committee, led by NRAI President Kalikesh Singh Deo, emphasizing current form and medal potential.
Important Terms
National Rifle Association of India
Founded in 1951, it is the national governing body responsible for promoting, popularizing, and regulating shooting sports in India, organizing domestic trials, and preparing national squads for major international events.
UPSC context
GS Paper II: Governance (Sports governance, regulatory bodies, and policies for nurturing athletic talent).
NRAI
The official abbreviation for the National Rifle Association of India, the primary administrative organization overseeing shooting events, training standards, and selection trials nationwide.
UPSC context
GS Paper II: Governance (National sports federations and their institutional roles in executing sports policies).
Asian Games
A prestigious continental multi-sport event organized every four years by the Olympic Council of Asia, recognized as the second-largest multi-sport event globally after the Olympics.
UPSC context
GS Paper I: General Awareness (Sports history) & GS Paper II: International Relations (Sports diplomacy).
Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar
A prominent Indian sport shooter from Madhya Pradesh specializing in the 50m rifle 3 positions; he is a two-time Olympian and multiple Asian Games gold medallist.
UPSC context
Prelims: Sports & Personalities (Prominent athletes, sporting achievements, and international representation).
Ashi Chouksey
An elite Indian sport shooter from Madhya Pradesh competing in rifle events, notably securing silver and bronze medals at the Asian Games and holding national records.
UPSC context
Prelims: Sports & Personalities (Emerging sportspersons, state sports schemes, and national awards).
Manisha Keer
A distinguished Indian shotgun trap shooter from Madhya Pradesh who has won multiple international medals, including silver at the Asian Games and the ISSF World Championships.
UPSC context
Prelims: Sports & Personalities (Grassroots talent, sports-led social mobility, and underrepresented communities).
Prelims Trap
Mallakhamb is recognized as India's official national sport or has received a GI tag.
Mallakhamb is the state sport of Madhya Pradesh, not the national sport of India (India has no official national sport), and it is a traditional sport, not a GI-tagged item.
Static Concepts Connected
What is Mallakhamb and its status in national sports initiatives?
- Origin and nature: Traditional Indian sport involving aerial yoga and gymnastics performed on a vertical wooden pole or rope.
- Geographic roots: Declared the state sport of Madhya Pradesh in 2013, with historical roots tracing back to Maharashtra.
- National inclusion: Formally included in the Khelo India Youth Games to revive indigenous sporting disciplines.
What are India's primary national sports awards?
- Khel Ratna: Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is India's highest sporting honor for spectacular performance over four years.
- Arjuna Award: Awarded for outstanding performance over four years, demonstrating leadership, sportsmanship, and discipline.
- Dronacharya Award: Honors eminent coaches who have produced medalists at prestigious international sports events.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Indigenous sports and cultural diplomacy
Promoting traditional games like Mallakhamb in international multi-sport events enhances India's cultural footprint and aligns with soft-power projection through sports diplomacy.
Federalism and grassroots sports infrastructure
State-funded academies feeding athletes into national squads demonstrates cooperative models between state governments and national sports federations.
UPSC may couple traditional sports like Mallakhamb with national awards or indigenous-sports initiatives in multi-statement questions.
Linked PYQs · 3
Linked PYQs · 3
- 2024MPPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Who is the para-canoe athlete from Madhya Pradesh who was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2023?
- 2021MPPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Player of Madhya Pradesh Chinki Yadav is associated with sports.
- 2019MPPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Which of the following Sports Award is related to Madhya Pradesh State?
