International flight of rural daughter: Kajal Baghel of Chhatarpur will represent India in Italy
From Kabaddi to the World Cup: Kajal Baghel’s Shooting Star Story-This is the inspiring journey of Kajal Baghel, a young woman from a small village in Chhatarpur, India, who’s about to compete in the Shooting World Cup in Italy. Her story is a testament to dedication and the power of dreams.
A Change of Game-Kajal’s sporting journey began with kabaddi, a popular game in her region. She never imagined she’d become a national-level shooter. The opportunity to join a shooting camp changed everything. With no prior experience, she dove into the world of shooting, showcasing remarkable talent and determination.
The Khelo India Springboard-Kajal’s talent was discovered during the 2019 Khelo India trials. This led to her selection for a shooting academy in Bhopal, where she began rigorous training. She balances her studies with intense practice, consistently winning medals at national competitions over the past five years. This consistent success highlights her commitment and skill.
From Thousands to the Top Three-Kajal’s exceptional performance in a major competition saw her selected from a pool of thousands of children—only three made the cut. Her talent impressed the NRI team, and now she’s representing India at the World Cup in Italy, set to take place from July 4th to 9th.
Humble Beginnings, High Aspirations-Kajal’s father, Pushpendra Singh Baghel, is a teacher. Shooting, an expensive and relatively uncommon sport in their rural environment, was initially unfamiliar territory. Kajal herself had never even held a gun before her selection. But the training and confidence she gained at the academy propelled her to this incredible achievement.
Italy Awaits: A Global Stage- Kajal will travel to Italy on July 1st to compete in both singles and doubles matches. Her goal is not just to win a medal, but to represent her country and her region of Bundelkhand on the world stage. This young woman’s journey is an inspiration to us all.
