Veteran Shooter Mairaj Ahmad Khan Aims for Asian Games Glory at 50

Mairaj Ahmad Khan, at 50, is gearing up for the Asian Games 2026, aiming for his first medal. With a wealth of experience, he emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present and shares insights on the extensive preparations underway. As a pioneer in Indian skeet shooting, Mairaj believes in a bright future for the sport, thanks to supportive initiatives like Khelo India. His journey reflects dedication and optimism for the next generation of shooters in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 3, 2026, 17:18 IST

Mairaj Ahmad Khan: A Veteran's Perspective

At 50 years old, Mairaj Ahmad Khan stands as one of the most seasoned members of the Indian team for the upcoming Asian Games 2026. Despite his age, the experienced shooter remains determined to secure his first medal at the Asiad. He shared his philosophy with SAI Media, stating, "Every athlete hopes to win, but I believe it's beneficial to enter competitions with lower expectations. Focusing on the present moment is crucial rather than getting lost in future outcomes."

Rigorous Training for the Asian Games

Mairaj, who made history as the first Indian skeet shooter to qualify for the Olympics in Rio 2016, emphasized the extensive preparations underway for the Asian Games. He mentioned, "We are training diligently at the Dr. Karni Singh Range (KSSR), supported by a dedicated team. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has provided us with everything we need, including strength and conditioning coaches, physiotherapists, and our foreign coach Riccardo Filippelli. This camp is invaluable for our preparation, and I believe it will yield results at the Asian Games, Inshallah."

Currently, Mairaj is part of a 15-day training camp for shotgun shooters, which will conclude on September 14. The camp includes 12 shooters, with six participating in trap and six in skeet events. The shotgun competitions are set to commence on September 21 at the Aichi Prefectural General Shooting Gallery in Toyota City, Japan.

A Promising Future for Indian Shooting

Mairaj, who has been a prominent figure in Indian shotgun shooting since 1994, envisions a bright future for the sport in India over the next four years. He remarked, "Both skeet and trap shooting have shown significant improvement, and I believe they will continue to excel in the future."

With over three decades of experience, Mairaj appreciates the support he receives in his career. He noted, "The initiatives by the Indian Government, the Sports Ministry, and SAI, including programs like Khelo India, are crucial for the next generation of athletes. We lacked such opportunities in our time, which may have hindered our chances of winning Olympic or World Cup medals. However, the future looks promising for the Indian team, which I believe will excel in trap, skeet, as well as rifle and pistol events. Neeru Dhanda, who recently clinched a historic gold in trap at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup 2026 in Lonato, benefited from the Khelo India program and the Bhopal Academy."