Sporting Success: Saniya Sheikh

In an exclusive interview with Confluence by Nitika Bajpayee, Saniya Sheikh, an International Skeet Shooter, who is representing India on various world sporting platforms, shares what all it takes to taste success…

She heralded her career at the age of 12 and became the youngest shooter in India and the world with 12 bore shotgun. Born on April 25, 1992, Saniya Sheikh, has three generations of shooting legacy behind her back, which makes her an inspiration for the Skeet Shooting sport aspirants across the world. Having represented India at various levels, Saniya has participated in 15 national level championships, winning about 21 medals in the juniors and the seniors category, together.

The talented shooter is representing India at the World Cups, World Championships, Asian Championships and Commonwealth Games and is bringing laurels to the country by bagging several international medals for the country. Her captivatingly inspiration journey highlights how through utter determination and conscious hardwork, one can climb up the success ladder. The young sportswoman shares some insights for sporting aspirants as she says, “Reaching your goals may take a little time because it is a tough process. One may also meet failures in the process. But, the key to success is to always remain patient and believe in yourself.”

In the year 2005, Saniya competed in her very first competition in Uttar Pradesh where she set the record and won the gold medal in junior and senior category while being a sub-junior. She participated in 49th National Shooting Championship, in which she had set the record and winning the gold medal in juniors and silver in seniors category of women while being a sub-junior. An Alma Mater of Lady Shri Ram College for Women in Delhi, Saniya never looked back since and secured her place in the Indian team in juniors and seniors category of women when she was just a sub junior.

This Women’s Day, Saniya gives out a special message to all the readers of Confluence by Nitika Bajpayee , “I would urge women never to compare themselves with anyone else. Each one of us is unique in our own ways. When we lift others, we rise ourselves. To men reading this, I would like to say please support the dreams and the visions of women around you. Together when we work as a team we are come out stronger.”

Saniya Sheikh is continuing her career by working hard and focusing on to secure her place for India in the Paris Olympics 2024. We wish her all the best!