Kishmala Talat, a young woman from Pakistan, is aiming for a historic feat: becoming the first woman from her country to win an Olympic medal. As the Paris Games commence on July 26th, Talat will be competing in the 10m air pistol and 25m pistol events, hoping to achieve glory abroad while challenging stereotypes back home. In a nation where modesty codes often discourage women’s participation in sports, Talat’s journey is particularly significant.
Talat, a 21-year-old hailing from a military family, has already made history as the first Pakistani woman to qualify for Olympic shooting. “In Pakistan there’s a prevalent taboo that dictates girls should stay at home, do girly things, and play with dolls, while boys are to play with guns,” she shared, highlighting the societal barriers she has overcome. “I see no one as competition. I compete with myself,” she declared to AFP at a target range in Jhelum, demonstrating her unwavering focus and self-belief.
Talat’s journey to this point is one of unwavering dedication and perseverance. She has accumulated numerous national medals and four international wins, including Pakistan’s first-ever shooting medal – a bronze – at the Asian Games last year. However, despite her achievements, the path to the Olympic podium remains a challenging one. Pakistan has only ever won 10 Olympic medals, all by men, and none since the 1992 Games. Talat, who recently completed her university degree in communications, holds a global ranking of 37th in the 10m event and 41st in the 25m, according to the International Shooting Sport Federation.
