Chandro Tomar, an extraordinary Indian sharpshooter, left an indelible mark on the world. Known as the “Shooter Dadi,” her life story is one of incredible resilience and achievement against all odds.
Wiki/Biography & Career
Born on January 1, 1932, in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, Chandro Tomar’s life was far from ordinary. Coming from an agricultural family, she married at the young age of 15 and never received a formal education. Her remarkable journey into sharpshooting began at the age of 65, quite unexpectedly.
It all started when her granddaughter, Shefali, needed accompaniment to a local shooting club. Chandro’s initial assistance, loading a rifle for Shefali, led to her own discovery of exceptional talent. One shot – a bullseye – and her life changed forever. Farooq Pathan, the club coach, recognized her potential, providing crucial training that laid the foundation for her impressive career.
Over the next two years, Chandro honed her skills, participating in numerous state and national championships. Her achievements were truly remarkable.
- She won a silver medal in her very first North Zone Championship.
- From 1999 onward, she accumulated over 30 national championship wins.
- She secured a gold medal at a veteran shooting championship in Chennai.
- Even in 2016, she won a bronze medal in her final competition held in Delhi.
Even after retiring from competitive shooting, Chandro continued to inspire others, coaching young people, speaking at events, and opening various sports institutions. Her impact extended beyond the shooting range.
She also graced television screens, appearing in shows such as “Satyamev Jayate,” “India’s Got Talent,” and History TV’s “OMG! Ye Mera India.”
In 2019, her life story, along with that of her sister-in-law Prakashi Tomar, was immortalized in the Bollywood film “Saand Ki Aankh,” starring Taapsee Pannu and Bhumi Pednekar.
Physical Appearance
Here’s a quick summary of Chandro Tomar’s physical appearance:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Hair Color | White |
| Eye Color | Black |
Family, Caste & Husband
Chandro Tomar hailed from a Jat family and was married to Bhor Singh. She had a large and supportive family, including three sons, three daughters, and fifteen grandchildren. Her family played a significant role in her success.
- Her brother served in the military.
- Her granddaughter, Shefali Tomar, is also an international shooter.
- Her niece, Seema, achieved the distinction of being the first Indian woman to win a medal at the Rifle and Pistol World Cup in 2010.
- Her sister-in-law, Prakashi Tomar, is another renowned sharpshooter.
Awards
Chandro Tomar’s exceptional achievements earned her numerous accolades:
- National Award for Senior Citizens
- HT Woman 2017
- Devi Award
- Shram Shakti Award
- 100 Women Achiever
Death
Chandro Tomar passed away on April 30, 2021, after a battle with COVID-19. She was admitted to a hospital in Meerut on April 26, 2021, after experiencing breathing difficulties.
Facts
Here are some interesting facts about Chandro Tomar’s life:
- She was affectionately known as “Shooter Dadi” and “Revolver Dadi.”
- She lived in an extended family of 40 people.
- Despite lacking formal education, she quickly mastered sharpshooting and even learned basic English.
- Initially practicing at home to avoid the shooting range, she later became a highly accomplished shooter.
- Her remarkable story was published in the newspaper just 15 days after she started her shooting career, inspiring her sister-in-law to follow in her footsteps.
- In her first championship, she famously defeated an army officer.
- Her husband, initially neutral, became a strong supporter of her passion.
- She used traditional attire and covered her head to mitigate wind interference during shooting.
- When household chores hindered her shooting practice, she innovatively used stones and water bottles for target practice at home.
- Her presence deterred robbers from their village.
- She actively worked to establish shooting ranges in Punjab, Haryana, and Bihar.
- Signs near her house proudly declared her title “Shooter Dadi” with the slogan “Beti Bachao, Beti Khilao, Beti Padhaao.”
- She had a close relationship with her son-in-law, one of her earliest supporters.
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