10 August,2026 10:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah Khan
(From left) Shlok Hajare and retired police officers Suhail Buddha and Satish Hajare
popcorn number="May 2" desc="Day Shlok Hajare made his international debut" class="Default"]
A 16-year-old Mumbai shooter Shlok Hajare who represented India at an international championship in the Czech Republic this year has received a major boost to his shooting career, with the CJ Foundation pledging financial support for his training, equipment, and future competitions on Friday, August 7.
The foundation has initially contributed Rs 2 lakh towards the purchase of an advanced rifle for the teenager and has assured his family that it will continue supporting his preparation and participation in shooting competitions.
Shlok made his international debut on May 2 at the 54th Grand Prix of Plzen Rifle and Pistol Shooting Championship in the Czech Republic, competing in the 10-metre air rifle event in the open men's category. Despite being one of the youngest competitors in a field comprising experienced and Olympic-level shooters, he recorded a 621.3 score.
Shlok Hajare, who recently represented India at the 54th Grand Prix of Plzen Rifle and Pistol Shooting Championship in the Czech Republic. Pics/Samiullah Khan
Although he missed out on a podium finish, the performance has given the teenager confidence that he can compete at the highest level. Shlok's father, retired Mumbai Police PSI Satish Hajare, believes his son could have performed considerably better had he been able to use a modern rifle. "Many of the other competitors were using advanced rifles, while Shlok was using a manual one," Satish told mid-day.
"International-level shooting equipment is extremely expensive. A specialised modern rifle itself costs a substantial amount. As a retired person, arranging for this was extremely difficult," he added.
Satish said he learnt about the CJ Foundation through his senior, retired police officer Suhail Buddha. He subsequently met foundation founder Sonu Yogendra Jalan and explained Shlok's journey and the difficulties involved in financing his training and equipment.
CJ Foundation founder Sonu Yogendra Jalan (right) hands over a cheque to Shlok Hajare on Friday
Jalan, impressed by the teenager's talent and performance, decided to support his future. The foundation on Friday contributed Rs 2 lakh towards the purchase of an advanced rifle and has assured the family that it will continue supporting Shlok's training and participation in future competitions.
Satish said he first realised his son had an unusual eye for shooting when Shlok was just six. The discovery happened not at a shooting academy, but at a local fair where there was a balloon-shooting stall.
"I asked Shlok to try the air rifle, but he told me to shoot first," Satish recalled. Having undergone firing training during his police service, Satish took the rifle and fired at 10 balloons.
"I managed to hit only two. Then Shlok took the rifle and hit nine out of 10 balloons. That was the moment I realised he had a natural interest and ability for shooting," he said.
The gift, however, was not immediately pushed into professional competition. Satish took Shlok to Snehal Kadam, an ISSF-certified coach at Prabodhankar Thackeray Krida Sankul in Vile Parle, who advised the family to wait. The sport, the coach felt, required a certain level of physical and mental maturity that would come with age. The family followed the advice and waited.
"I am extremely happy to sponsor Shlok. He is a very talented and disciplined boy. I believe he can make the country proud in the future," Jalan said. He added that the foundation is committed to helping society, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare. Jalan said the organisation recently donated more than 20 computers to Mumbai-based colleges to help students access better educational facilities. It has also provided food and clothes to needy people, wheelchairs to persons with disabilities and assistance towards medical treatment for underprivileged people. "Whatever God has given me, I want to use it for building a better nation and society. My foundation will continue contributing towards this cause throughout my life and, hopefully, even after that," Jalan said.
After turning 10, Shlok began training seriously, working on his shooting technique, fitness, concentration and discipline. He gradually established himself in the 10-metre air rifle discipline and began participating in national-level competitions, and he had own many medals, including gold. On May 2, that journey reached a major milestone when Shlok made his international debut representing India at the Grand Prix of Plzen Rifle and Pistol Shooting Championship in the Czech Republic, and the performance against seasoned competitors has given his family fresh confidence in his potential.
