Tilottama Sen: Gunning for the prize Today Sports News

The COVID-19 pandemic sparked a sporting career in shooting for Bengaluru girl Tilottama Sen who took up the sport to break the monotony of online classes and being cooped up indoors.

A volleyball and throwball player, Tilottama was also a karateka, and the inability to engage in these activities dampened her spirits, so her father, Sujit Sen, suggested she take up shooting.

He took her to a nearby range, where her new hobby soon evolved into a passion. As she progressed, Tilottama enrolled at the Elite Shooting Academy where she was trained by professional coaches. Soon, she was participating in State and national events.

By 2023, she was representing India in international events such as the World Cup, Asian Championship and World Youth Championship.

Between 2023 and 2025 she garnered laurels and a total of 39 medals, which included 22 gold, eight silver and nine bronzes. “Shooting is more of a mental game,” says Tilottama.

Tilottama Sen
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“It requires concentration, focus and dedication apart from daily practice. I practise seven hours a day, despite reaching the international level.”

Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore’s silver at the 2004 Olympics and Abhinav Bindra’s gold in the 2008 Olympics were two wins which made shooting hugely popular in India.

Though Tilottama’s success in individual and team events came in the 10-metre air rifle event, in 2025, she had switched to shooting the 50-metres and won gold at the recent national championships. Her win evoked praise from all quarters, especially from her idol, Abhinav Bindra. “He was a source of inspiration for me; he gave me a lot of tips.”

Right now, Tilottama is attending the National selection trials for the 10m air rifle event in Delhi where she has secured the top spot. She is next scheduled to participate in the Asian Games which will be held in Japan in September. “I hope to win a few medals at the Games and my next target is the Olympics. It will be a huge achievement if I get into the medal bracket at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.”