Asian Games: ‘Life Has Come Full Circle,’ Says Aashima After Trap Team Silver

For Aashima Ahlawat, winning a silver medal at the Asian Games was the fulfilment of a dream she had held since taking up shooting. The young Indian shooter was part of the women's trap team that finished second at the Aichi-Nagoya Games on Tuesday.

The achievement carried particular significance for Aashima, who began shooting only in 2021 and had hoped to eventually represent India at the Asian Games.

“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 said.

The Indian trio had to contend with persistent rain during the competition, but the conditions ultimately worked in their favour. Aashima said India remained composed while several other teams found it difficult to adapt, allowing the Indian shooters to move from bronze position to silver.

“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 said.

Rather than being affected by the rain, Aashima felt the Indian shooters were accustomed to competing in similar conditions at home. Domestic selection trials and training sessions, she explained, often take place in challenging weather.

“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,” Aashima said.

“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 added.

The medal is another important milestone in Aashima's rapid rise through Indian shooting. She began the sport in 2021 before earning a place in the junior Indian team in 2023. She competed at junior level through 2024 before moving into the senior setup in 2025.

Her transition to senior competition has already produced international success. Aashima won an individual bronze and team gold at the Asian Championships before adding an Asian Games team silver to her medal collection.

“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,” she said.

Despite the significance of the medal, Aashima's immediate plans are more personal than sporting. After the competition, she said she was looking forward to returning to Delhi and celebrating the achievement with her family and friends.

“I am waiting to reach Delhi. To meet my family and friends. And I would like to celebrate with them,” she said.

Asked who she would dedicate the medal to, Aashima gave a simple answer: “To my mom.”