Tanvi Lathwal, a 15-year-old shooter of Indian origin, has made history by securing a spot in the 12-member Australian shooting contingent for the ISSF Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany, scheduled from May 19 to May 27, 2025.
Competing in the 10m air pistol category, she becomes the first shooter of Indian descent to represent Australia in this prestigious event. Born in Sydney during her father’s earlier posting, Tanvi’s journey reflects her dedication and resilience as she prepares to compete on an international stage. Her family originally hails from Chidana village in Haryana’s Sonipat district.
Breaking Barriers in Shooting Sports
Tanvi Lathwal’s selection to the Australian squad underscores her exceptional skills and determination. Officials from the Australian shooting federation commended her as a rising talent with immense potential. Tanvi idolizes Manu Bhaker, a renowned Indian shooter, and aspires to emulate her achievements.
After relocating to Sydney in July 2023, Tanvi quickly rose through the ranks, claiming gold medals at three major competitions: New South Wales state championships (564/600), Queensland state championships (559), and junior Nationals (560 pts). She is currently ranked No. 1 junior shooter in Australia for the 10m air pistol category and third overall in the ‘Open’ category.
A Remarkable Journey Across Borders
Tanvi’s journey began with humble roots in India. Her family migrated to Australia in 2008 when her father, Harveer Lathwal, secured a job with a German company. Tanvi was born in Sydney and became an Australian citizen by birth. In 2015, the family returned to India to reconnect with their cultural roots, where Tanvi excelled as a badminton player before transitioning to shooting after a bike accident in 2019 left her with a broken ankle.
During the Covid pandemic, she began training under coach Ankur Arya and won gold at the CBSE school nationals in Ranchi in 2022. Despite excelling at NRAI selection trials for the Indian team, she was unable to join due to passport issues. Her family returned to Sydney in 2023, where Tanvi enrolled at Genesis Pistol Shooting Club and began competing under Australian regulations.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Tanvi Lathwal’s achievement is a testament to perseverance and inclusivity in sports. Her story highlights how determination can overcome challenges like relocation and cultural transitions. As India prepares to host its first ISSF Junior World Cup later this year, it is crucial to celebrate milestones that unite nations through sportsmanship.
With Australia allocating reserved spots for shooting at the Paris Olympics, Tanvi is positioned as a strong contender if she continues her stellar performance. How can we further support young talents like Tanvi to thrive on global platforms? Share your thoughts below!
