Ahvar Rizvi's Emotional Journey to the 2026 Asian Games
A Dream Realized in Kazakhstan
Trap shooter Ahvar Rizvi experienced an emotional moment in Kazakhstan when he learned he had secured a spot on India's squad for the 2026 Asian Games. This achievement came after years of disappointment, particularly after narrowly missing the 2018 Asian Games by just one point. Following that setback, the Double Trap event, where he had previously been crowned Junior World Champion, was unexpectedly removed from the international shooting schedule, as stated in a press release from the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI).
A Family's Support Fuels a Shooter's Passion
Rizvi's journey into competitive shooting began in 2012 in Meerut, where he was surrounded by a family deeply involved in the sport. Despite his father's concerns about his age and the weight of the shotgun, a 12-year-old Rizvi was determined to start shooting. With the encouragement of his uncle, he successfully qualified through state trials, while his family provided unwavering support for his training.
"As a child, the gun felt heavy, and the recoil was intense. My cousin Arsh Ahmed would stand behind me during practice to help absorb the recoil. Another cousin, Rayyan Rizvi, lent me his gun for years and managed all my visa arrangements for international competitions. Their support has been crucial; without it, I wouldn't have reached this point," Rizvi reflected.
From Triumph to Turmoil
Rizvi quickly made a name for himself, winning a silver medal at the 2017 ISSF Junior World Championship in Moscow, followed by an individual gold in Changwon in 2018, where he scored 141—outperforming the senior world champion. However, the discontinuation of Double Trap threw his career into disarray, forcing him to adapt to Olympic Trap over the next three years.
"After my World Championship victory, Double Trap was eliminated. I faced significant challenges transitioning to Single Trap, and my scores suffered. There were moments when I considered quitting shooting altogether. My coach, Vikram Singh Chopra, who has been with me since 2014, helped me regain my focus. He reminded me that if I could win medals in Double Trap, I could achieve the same in Trap," he shared.
Support from a Rival
The transition to Olympic Trap also presented equipment challenges, as Rizvi did not have a suitable Trap gun. In a commendable act of sportsmanship, Lakshya Sheoran, a silver medalist from the 2018 Asian Games, offered his own competition gun to Rizvi.
"Having the right equipment is crucial in shooting. Initially, my low scores were due to not having a proper Trap gun. Lakshya lent me his gun for training and trials, which ultimately helped me qualify for the Asian Games squad," Rizvi explained.
Focused on Success with Team India
Rizvi acknowledged the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) for providing essential support through organized national camps, technical assistance, and opportunities for international exposure in the UK and Italy. In Hangzhou, he will compete alongside Olympian Kynan Chenai and childhood friend Shapath Bharadwaj in the Men's Trap team.
"The NRAI's consistent support, transparent trials, and exposure camps have been instrumental in my technical adaptation and readiness for high-level competition," Rizvi stated.
"The team environment is fantastic. Kynan treats us like younger brothers and shares invaluable experience, while Shapath and I have been roommates since our junior Double Trap days. When I step onto the range in Indian colors, my sole focus will be on seeing the Tricolour rise during the National Anthem," he concluded.