Delhi’s young shooter Nyra Sharma has written a new chapter in Indian shooting history as the youngest Indian to qualify for the National Shooting Championship. At the age of 10 years and 3 months, Nyra became the top 10m air rifle shooter at the All India Inter School Shooting Championship in Bhopal with a score of 363 out of 400 in the 10m air rifle category.
Nyra’s achievement is particularly significant because she’s just starting with competitive shooting in her life. Unlike many established shooters who spend years competing at different levels before reaching the national stage, Nyra has rapidly developed in just months into competitive shooting. And Bhopal was her third competitive event, so it’s even more impressive.
Nyra has been working on her skills at the TOPGUN Shooting Academy in Delhi under experienced coaches. Her consistency, concentration, and discipline have made her stand out for her very young age. Shooting, especially 10m air rifle events, requires individual focus and control, and small movements can affect the final score.
Nyra started her competitive journey at the Delhi State Championship in June. Then in July, she participated in the Indian Open in Dehradun and gained experience with other young shooters. The All India Inter School Shooting Championship in Bhopal was her third competition, and she scored the points that it took to qualify for the National Shooting Championship.
Her 363/400 score in Bhopal gave a clear impression of her ability. While qualifying for a national-level competition is an achievement in itself, doing so at the age of 10 places Nyra in a unique position in Indian shooting. She will now have the opportunity to compete against some of the country’s finest young shooters when the National Shooting Championship takes place later this year.
Nyra's father, Prashant Sharma, was very proud of his daughter’s victory, and he recognized her hard work, determination, and the support from her coaches. Nyra’s qualification, he said, is a product of continuous hard work and the guidance she received at TOPGUN Shooting Academy.
For a young athlete to go to national level so early can be a wonderful opportunity, but also a profound learning experience. The Nationals will be an absolute gamechanger for Nyra and will give her a better understanding of high-level shooting.
Shooting is a sport in which mental strength is as important as physical skill. Athletes need to stay calm, keep their breathing down, and aim well. When Nyra is a 10-year-old competing with experienced youngsters, her ability to deal with pressure and focus on her job will be critical.
Her rapid rise also underscores how interested young Indians are in shooting. The country has developed a strong shooting program over the years with international and Olympic-class performers in different sports. Young talent in the sport at a very early age would benefit from structured coaching, modern facilities, and much more opportunities to compete.
Nyra’s story is also an example of how sporting journeys can begin so early. Even in her competitive debut just a few months ago, she made it to one of the country’s biggest events. So far, it can only be said that she has good prospects for her career at this very early stage, and so she should be able to get there.
Nyra will also soon have the National Shooting Championship to perform at. At the national level, she will get to experience and test herself against more formidable competition and determine if she is part of India’s rising shooting talent.
Nyra Sharma has had a fantastic start to her shooting career so far, from her debut in the Delhi State Championship to qualifying for the Nationals in just her third appearance. Not only has she made it to Bhopal, but she has also been one of India's young shooting talents to watch.
