TIMES IMPACT: MP set to appoint star shooters Tomar, Chouksey

Bhopal : Days after two-time Olympian Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar told TOI that he would wait until the Asian Games for the Madhya Pradesh govt to honour its employment assurance, the state is now set to offer him a senior govt position. Tomar, along with fellow international shooter Ashi Chouksey, is likely to be appointed to senior posts in the state government, with a formal announcement expected during Asian Hockey Championship in November. Tomar's proposed appointment assumes significance as it comes after months of uncertainty over govt's commitment. In its Aug 21 report, TOI had highlighted how the shooter was waiting for the state to formalise its assurance even as he was receiving job offers from other states. The two-time Olympian had made it clear that he would wait until the Asian Games for govt to act. The Madhya Pradesh Sports Department is now understood to be completing the final administrative formalities for the appointments. The move is being seen as a major recognition of the achievements of the two shooters and their contribution to the state's sporting profile. Tomar and Chouksey are among India's leading 50m rifle 3 positions shooters and have been selected for the Indian squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. Their appointments are also expected to provide much-needed professional security to the shooters as they continue their international careers. 'The announcement was initially planned for National Sports Day on Aug 29, but could not be made because of unspecified administrative reasons,' a Sports Department official said, requesting anonymity. National Sports Day is observed on Aug 29 to mark the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. According to officials, the two shooters will be offered multiple options for govt positions. 'They will be given 6-7 job choices,' the official said. The likely announcement during the Asian Hockey Championship in November is expected to give the move added visibility, with the event likely to bring together athletes, sports administrators and a large public audience. For Tomar, the development could finally end the uncertainty over his career beyond competitive shooting. The 24-year-old has been one of India's most prominent rifle shooters and has represented the country at two Olympic Games. His performance on the international circuit had led to expectations that the state would offer him employment under its policy of rewarding elite sportspersons. For Chouksey, the appointment would mark recognition of her emergence as one of India's leading women rifle shooters. She has also been part of India's international shooting set-up and is headed for the Asian Games. Bhopal has emerged as an important training base for India's rifle and pistol shooters, with the state investing heavily in shooting infrastructure. The appointments are therefore also being viewed as part of Madhya Pradesh's broader effort to strengthen its identity as a sporting hub and retain athletes who bring international recognition to the state. Though the govt is yet to issue an official order, officials said the appointments are expected to be finalised soon. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bhopal | Silver Rate in Bhopal | Bank Holidays in Bhopal | Public Holidays in Bhopal | Petrol Price in Bhopal | Diesel Price in Bhopal | CNG Price in Bhopal | LPG Price in Bhopal Stay updated with the latest Bhopal news. Download the TOI App.