Yeshaya Hafiz Contractor, Gujarat’s first junior lady shotgun shooter, has won numerous national and state awards. She began shooting at the age of 12 and climbed the success ladder with the help and encouragement of her father and grandfather.
Yeshaya’s sister Zoysia, who works as a chef and practising shooting is a hobby, has competed in district and state competitions before reaching Pre National in 2021. She supports her sister Yeshaya in her competitions, and the bonding helps her improve her skills and confidence.
Similarly, Manavrajsinh Chudasama, presently the youngest (14 years old) shotgun shooter of Gujarat. His parents Rajendrasinh Chudasama an IPS officer and mother Vandanaba Chudasama, a national level player and Renowned Shot in shotgun and pistol provided the crucial influence of being a role model and guided him in his formative years.
Vandanaba Chudasama has won 32 medals in pistol and shotgun shooting with one of them being a Bronze medal at the Nationals in Double Trap event. It was her influence and inspiration which drew young Manavraj into the sport and has kept him hooked there ever since. The mother son duo complements each other in the sport and holds a record for winning Bronze medal in team event for Gujarat.
Being a mother she often leaves competitive events in case the dates clash with Manavrajsinh and accompanies him to his competition. “I started shooting in 2018 after getting inspired by my husband. I hold a record of winning gold in Shotgun, Air pistol and Sports pistol at the state level competition in 2019. The game helps to increase the bonding between both of us as we discuss the game, spare more time with each other during training sessions and competitions.”
My role is to motivate and see him scale new heights in this sport. I started shooting as a passion and continue to participate in tournaments. But now as my son is in the same sport my aim is to support him and help in reaching his dream of a Olympic medal in Shotgun. My younger son is also taking interest in this sport and now my responsibility becomes double to see both my sons scaling new heights in shooting sports.
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