Manisha Keer's Inspiring Journey from Village to International Trap Shooting Star

Manisha Keer, an Indian trap shooter, embarked on an unexpected journey from a modest village near Bhopal to the international shooting arena. Introduced to the sport by her sister, she faced numerous challenges, including financial constraints and a lack of resources. Despite these hurdles, Manisha achieved significant milestones, including winning medals at the junior World Championship and the Asian Games. Her story is one of resilience, independence, and the importance of institutional support, particularly from the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI). Manisha's journey exemplifies how seizing opportunities can lead to remarkable achievements.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 1, 2026, 13:50 IST

A Surprising Start in Shooting

Manisha Keer never envisioned a future in shooting. Hailing from a humble background in a village near Bhopal, she was unaware of the sport's existence until her sister introduced her to it. This unexpected introduction led her from the Madhya Pradesh State Shooting Academy to competing on the global stage.

Facing Initial Challenges

Her sister Sona, a former athlete, played a crucial role in guiding Manisha into the world of shooting. However, the journey was fraught with challenges, particularly due to their family's financial constraints. "My family couldn't provide everything I needed, which made it tough for me," Manisha shared.

Shooting is known for its high costs, and as Manisha began to travel for competitions at just 18, she faced tough decisions to stay committed. "During competitions, I had to make sacrifices, including what I ate, to save money," she recalled.

The early days at the academy were also challenging, with no regular coaching available. Manisha learned alongside her peers, relying heavily on her sister for guidance as she navigated a sport she initially knew little about.

Her ability to focus on maximizing her resources rather than lamenting her limitations became a hallmark of her journey.

Achievements on the Global Stage

Over time, Manisha made significant strides internationally, clinching a silver medal at the junior World Championship in trap shooting in 2018 and contributing to the Indian women's trap team that won silver at the Asian Games.

Building Resilience

For Manisha, her journey transcends mere accolades. The hardships she encountered instilled in her vital lessons about self-reliance and resilience. "We must learn to take care of ourselves, as no one can be there for us all the time," she reflected.

Her story illustrates the importance of seizing opportunities and persevering through challenges. "I learned from everything I had, and that shaped my growth," she stated.

Support from Institutional Frameworks

As Manisha's career progressed, her support network expanded. The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has been instrumental in facilitating her participation at both national and international levels, with her achievements securing her a spot in India's shooting teams over the years. The NRAI's records highlight her journey from junior competitions to her current status.

"The NRAI's support has been crucial for me. Coming from a background with limited resources, having an organization that enables me to compete, train, and represent my country is invaluable. I am deeply thankful for the opportunities I've received," Manisha concluded.