Sakshi Padekar's journey to winning the 10m Air Rifle gold at the Khelo India University Games 2025 is a tale of perseverance. Her interest in shooting began as an NCC cadet, but financial constraints made it difficult to pursue. Her parents, determined to support her dream, mortgaged her mother's jewellery to fund her training.
Hailing from Alephata village near Pune, Sakshi's family moved to the city for better opportunities. Initially trying sports like judo and taekwondo, she discovered shooting during an NCC camp post-COVID-19 lockdown. However, training outside the camp was expensive, with rifle rentals costing Rs 40,000 monthly.
Despite these challenges, Sakshi remained driven by her passion and her parents' sacrifices. "I was driven by my
passion and the sacrifices of my parents. They always told me not to quit, no matter what happened," she shared. Her dedication caught the attention of Olympian Gagan Narang's foundation in Pune.
The foundation provided a crucial lifeline through the LEAP scholarship. This support allowed Sakshi to excel in shooting competitions. In 2024, she won gold in the 50m Rifle 3-Position event at the Maharashtra State Shooting Championships and secured a silver medal at the Nationals.
A wrist injury earlier this year affected Sakshi's training but did not deter her spirit. She was determined to make an impact at the Jaipur games after winning a team bronze in Guwahati last year. "That performance in the Khelo India University Games last year gave me the confidence that I can perform at the highest level," she said.
Sakshi's victory in Jaipur marked her first major triumph in the 10m Air Rifle event. Previously focused on 50m Rifle events, this achievement was particularly significant for her. "I knew I had to remain calm to have the perfect shot," she expressed after winning gold.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Sakshi aims to continue excelling in both 10m Air Rifle and 50m events. Her journey reflects resilience and determination against financial odds. The support from Gagan Narang's foundation played a pivotal role in shaping her career path.
Sakshi Padekar's story is one of overcoming adversity through hard work and unwavering support from her family and mentors. Her achievements inspire many young athletes facing similar challenges.
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