Mairaj Ahmad Khan is one of the oldest members of India’s team for the 2026 Asian Games. At 50 years old, this experienced shooter is still competing at a high level and hopes to win his first Asian Games medal in Aichi-Nagoya. Despite his calm demeanor, he remains determined.
A three-time World Cup gold medalist, Mairaj has also claimed victory at the Asian Champions and Commonwealth Championships. With two Olympic participations under his belt, he made history as India’s first skeet shooter to qualify for the Rio Olympics in 2016.
When asked about his approach to competitions, Mairaj shared his philosophy: “Every athlete wants to win, but going into a competition with fewer expectations is better. If you focus too much on the outcome, you lose sight of the present moment.”
He praised the support system behind him during training at the Dr. Karni Singh Range in Delhi. SAI (Sports Authority of India) has provided a strong team, including coaches and physiotherapists, to help prepare for the Asian Games.
Mairaj is part of a 15-day preparatory camp that ends on September 14. The shotgun events will begin on September 21 in Toyota City, Japan. A total of 12 shooters are training, with six specializing in trap and six in skeet.
Reflecting on India’s shooting future, Mairaj believes the next four years will be bright. He credits programs like Khelo India for nurturing young talent, which he didn’t have access to during his early career.
At the last Asian Games in China, Indian shooters secured 33 medals, showcasing their growing strength in the sport.