Kishmala Talat steadies her breath, focusing on the bullseye through her pistol’s sights, with her sights set on becoming the first Pakistani woman to win an Olympic medal.
Starting July 26 at the Paris Games, Talat will compete in the 10m and 25m pistol events, challenging international competitors and breaking stereotypes in Pakistan. Cultural norms in her country often discourage women from engaging in sports. Yet, Talat, a 21-year-old from a military family, has broken through as the nation’s first female Olympic qualifier in shooting.
“In Pakistan, there’s a taboo that girls should stay indoors and play with dolls while boys handle guns,” she commented during an interview at a Jhelum target range.
Talat, who views herself as her competition, has secured numerous national and four international medals, including a historic bronze at last year’s Asian Games.
Pakistan’s Olympic history is modest, with only 10 medals to date, all won by men and no victories since 1992.
Having recently graduated with a degree in communications, Talat faces formidable challenges in Paris, ranking 37th in the 10m event and 41st in the 25m, as per the International Shooting Sport Federation.
Talat trains rigorously, dedicating 10 hours daily to her craft, including physical workouts, shooting practice, and evening meditation sessions to sharpen her focus.
Despite the popularity of cricket, target shooting remains a niche sport in Pakistan, a country with a significant gun presence. According to the Small Arms Survey, Pakistan had nearly 44 million guns in 2017, ranking fourth globally in civilian gun ownership.
Talat trains with military officers and a foreign coach in Jhelum, supported by Pakistan’s military. She comes from Rawalpindi, a city deeply connected to the military.
