Fireworks unit labourer’s daughter clears State shooting trials, appeals to T.N. govt. for advanced rifle support

A young college student from a humble background in Virudhunagar has earned a spot in the upcoming State-level shooting championship, but her sporting aspirations now remain uncertain due to the lack of an advanced firearm.

P. Malathi, a student at a private engineering college, hails from Vijayakarisalkulam village. Her parents, Pandiaraj and Uma, work as daily wage labourers in the local fireworks industry.

Alongside her younger sister Lakshitha—a class 9 student at the local government higher secondary school— Ms. Malathi developed a keen interest in marksmanship and began training with her father’s guidance before honing her skills at her college’s shooting range.

Despite training with basic equipment, Ms. Malathi demonstrated exceptional skill at the zonal-level shooting competition held in Tenkasi last month. Facing competitors equipped with modern, high-end weaponry, she competed in the 10-metre ‘Air Rifle Peep Sight’ category using a standard firearm, securing a third place and winning a bronze medal.

Her performance earned her qualification for the State-level shooting championship scheduled to be held in Chennai on October 26, 2026.

However, financial constraints threaten to impede her progress. With advanced rifles costing significant sums well beyond her family’s economic means, Ms. Malathi has made an earnest appeal to the Tamil Nadu Government for support.

“Many competitors at State level will be using advanced firearms, which I do not possess. Given my family’s financial situation, purchasing an expensive rifle is impossible,” Ms. Malathi said.

Expressing confidence in her abilities, she added, “If the government provides me with an advanced firearm to compete, I am ready to participate in various championships and bring pride to both Tamil Nadu and India.”