Bengaluru Shooter Defies Odds to Win Asian Medals While Eight Months Pregnant
In a remarkable display of determination and skill, Bengaluru-based air rifle shooter Meghana Sajjanar has captured national attention by winning two medals at the Asian Shooting Championships in New Delhi while being eight months pregnant. The 32-year-old athlete secured a gold medal in the 10-meter air rifle team event and a bronze in the individual competition, achieving this extraordinary feat during the advanced stages of her pregnancy.
From Obscure Beginnings to National Prominence
Meghana Sajjanar began her journey in air rifle shooting in 2009, at a time when the sport was virtually unknown to most Indians. When she first started training, there were fewer than ten shooters practicing alongside her in Bengaluru. Over the past decade and a half, awareness and exposure to shooting sports have grown significantly across the country, paralleling Meghana's own rise to national prominence through consistent performance and dedication.
Training Through Pregnancy: Overcoming Physical and Mental Challenges
Was training for the Asian Shooting Championships different during pregnancy?
"I was at my performance peak from 2017 to 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted training schedules," Meghana explained. "My performance remained consistently strong until the 2022 World Championships. Even after becoming pregnant, I felt physically fine until approximately the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy."
"After that point, the real challenges began to emerge," she continued. "My body was undergoing rapid changes, particularly affecting my center of gravity. I essentially had to relearn my balance and shooting stance from scratch. Shooting demands absolute physical stillness and deep mental concentration, both of which became increasingly difficult once I could feel my baby moving regularly. This required me to prepare my mind as thoroughly as my body for competition."
The Decision to Compete: Medical Guidance and Family Support
Was participating in the championship a difficult decision given your pregnancy?
"Initially, yes, I had some doubts and concerns," Meghana admitted. "But my family and I decided that I would consult with my doctor and make a final decision based on professional medical advice. Since my pregnancy was progressing normally and healthily, I became mentally prepared to take on this challenge. My family provided extremely supportive encouragement throughout the process. While it certainly wasn't easy, this entire experience has made me more disciplined and resilient as both an athlete and a person."
"I firmly believe that breaking stereotypes about pregnant women in India is incredibly important," Meghana emphasized. "If your doctor confirms that your pregnancy is healthy and you can safely continue your regular routine, there's no valid reason to step back from your goals and ambitions."
Age and Athletics: Challenging Perceptions in Indian Sports
At 32 years old, Meghana Sajjanar is currently the oldest 10-meter air rifle shooter on the Indian national team, but she doesn't let age define her capabilities.
"I don't feel old at all, despite being the senior member of our national shooting team," Meghana stated confidently. "There exists a persistent perception in India that athletes past a certain age struggle to compete effectively with younger players. However, internationally, we see shooters competing for Olympic medals even in their fifties. This longevity is possible primarily because of the superior training environments and facilities available in those countries. I'm fortunate to now have access to that level of support here in Bengaluru, and I know I have many strong competitive years ahead of me."
Inspired by Serena Williams, Now Inspiring Others
Meghana revealed that she drew inspiration from tennis legend Serena Williams, who famously won the Australian Open while pregnant. Now, Meghana finds herself in the position of being an inspiration to others.
"I believe breaking stereotypes about pregnant women in India is crucially important for our society's progress," Meghana reiterated. "If medical professionals confirm that your pregnancy is healthy and you can safely continue your regular activities, there's absolutely no reason to step back from pursuing your dreams and ambitions. We need more examples of women balancing motherhood with professional excellence to change outdated perceptions."
Meghana Sajjanar's remarkable achievement at the Asian Shooting Championships represents not just a personal victory, but a significant milestone for women athletes in India. Her story challenges conventional limitations placed on pregnant women in sports and demonstrates what's possible with proper medical guidance, family support, and unwavering determination. As she continues her shooting career, Meghana remains committed to changing the system for future generations of athletes who might otherwise face similar barriers and stereotypes.
