At just 11, Arunachal Pradesh shooter Marpi Karlo has secured a place at the National Shooting Championship Competition (NSCC) after scoring an impressive 369/400 at the 13th North East Zone Shooting Championship in Guwahati, Assam. Held from August 25 to 30, the championship saw Marpi compete in the Sub-Youth and Youth categories, earning qualification for the national-level competition in New Delhi.
Hailing from Gogar village in Likabali, Lower Siang district, Marpi is the daughter of Jummar Karlo. She is currently a Class VII student at Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV), Nirjuli. The Arunachal Pradesh Rifle Association (APRA) congratulated the young shooter, with its president, Chukhu Apa, expressing confidence in her ability to continue performing strongly at the national level.
A Young Shooting Talent
Marpi’s latest achievement is the result of a steady rise in competitive shooting. Her journey gained attention in 2024 when she won a bronze medal at the 5th State Shooting Championship organised by the Arunachal Pradesh Rifle Association. A year later, she took a major step forward, winning gold in the 10m Air Rifle (Women) category at the 6th State Shooting Championship held at the Rajiv Gandhi University Shooting Range in Doimukh.
The 2025 championship was held in August, when Marpi was 10 years old and studying in Class VI at VKV Balijan. Her gold-medal performance helped her earn an opportunity to compete at the zonal level. The progression from a state-level bronze in 2024 to gold in 2025 and now qualification for the national championship reflects her rapid development in the sport.
Guided By Family
Marpi’s journey has also been supported by her family and mentors. She hails from Gogar village in Likabali, Lower Siang district, and is the daughter of Jummar Karlo. Her aunt, Jumngam Karlo, has played a role in guiding her shooting journey.
For a young athlete from a village in Arunachal Pradesh, reaching the national stage at 11 represents a significant milestone. Her story also highlights how opportunities at state and regional competitions can help identify young sporting talent and provide a pathway towards higher-level competition.
Marpi’s latest breakthrough came at the 13th North East Zone Shooting Championship in Guwahati. Competing at the regional level, she recorded 369 out of 400 points, securing qualification for the NSCC. She is now set to represent Arunachal Pradesh at the national championship in New Delhi.
APRA welcomed the achievement and praised Marpi’s dedication, discipline and commitment to shooting. Its president, Chukhu Apa, congratulated her and conveyed his best wishes for the national competition, expressing confidence that she would continue to excel at the next level.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Marpi Karlo’s journey is a reminder that sporting talent can emerge from even the country’s smaller towns and remote communities when young athletes receive encouragement, mentorship and opportunities to compete. Her progress from a state-level bronze to gold and then a 369/400 performance at the North East Zone Championship shows what consistent effort can achieve at a remarkably young age.
However, nurturing young sporting talent is about more than medals. Children competing at an early age also need supportive coaching, safe sporting environments, access to facilities and enough space to balance sport with education and childhood.
As Marpi prepares for the national stage, her achievement deserves celebration while also prompting a wider question: how can India ensure that more young athletes from remote regions receive the opportunities and support they need to reach their full potential?
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