Meet Chandro Tomar, the 78-year-old Indian grandmother, who is believed to be the world's oldest professional sharpshooter. She has won over 25 national championships across India as well as raising six children and 15 grandchildren. She said: “I wanted to do something useful with my life and show people my capabilities. As soon as I shot my first pistol I was hooked. And now I’ve shown everyone there’s no disadvantages to my age. If you’re focused you can do anything.”
Almost 10 years ago Chandro took her granddaughter to a local firing range in Johri village, in Uttar Pradesh. She wanted to learn a new skill but was too shy to go alone. In the end it was Chandro who was welcomed into the club with open arms. “As I was waiting around I decided to have a go. The coach spotted me and was amazed at my aim. He told me to come back so I did. Initially I was just supporting my granddaughter but I enjoyed it so much it became a passion and I looked forward to going to the club every week,” she said.
While doing her daily chores on her farm and raising her family, Chandro practised her aim using stones and throwing them at water bottles.
The club’s coach Farooq Pathan said: “I was surprised when I saw a pensioner in our group but she picked it up pretty quickly. She was so good some of the men stopped turning up altogether to avoid being humiliated by her, a old woman. She has the ultimate skill, a steady hand and a sharp eye.” And now she has even won a gold medal at the Veteran Shooting Championship in Chennai.
Her biggest fan is her daughter Seema, who is also an international shooting star becoming the first Indian woman to win a medal at the Rifle and Pistol World Cup. “She is amazing and showed us that anything is possible. Chandro has helped many of us improve our lives. Many members of the club even find jobs with the military and police force because of her encouragement,” Seema said.
Medals or no medals, life at home never changes for Chandro and she still cooks, cleans and cares for her family.
