Yogeshwar S. Padloskar, the founder and director of Yash Shooting Academy and Hub, is an entrepreneur whose journey embodies determination and innovation in the realm of Indian sports. Originally an engineer, he transitioned from a successful career in shooting to becoming a visionary leader, driven by personal experiences and a deep desire to make a lasting impact on the shooting sport in India. The inception of Yash Shooting Academy was born out of a father’s concern.

His son, a budding shooter, faced significant challenges in accessing professional training in Goa and was forced to travel to neighboring Maharashtra. Recognizing the lack of proper facilities in his home state,he made the bold decision to address this gap. Risking his life savings, he established Goa’s first professional shooting academy, creating a platform for aspiring shooters to hone their skills locally. What started as a modest 10-meter shooting range with five points rapidly evolved into a comprehensive hub for shooting excellence. Through relentless dedication, Yogeshwar expanded the facility to include 10m, 25m, and 50m targets, along with an additional 25-point shooting range. Today, Yash Shooting Hub, located in Mandrem, North Goa, stands as a premier institution with state-of-the-art facilities built to Olympic standards.

The academy offers a range of services, including trap and skeet shooting, making it Asia’s first and only private shooting range of its kind. With a diverse set of offerings, it caters to recreational shooters, professional athletes, and even provides therapeutic shooting experiences. A national-level silver medalist in big bore shooting, he is supported by his wife, a national-level shooter and coach. Together, they have mentored over 3,000 students, nurturing young talents and fostering a new generation of shooting enthusiasts. Their academy offers expert coaching, access to affordable firearms for training, and opportunities for both competition and recreational shooting. In 2024, his pioneering efforts were recognized with the prestigious ‘Start-up Award for Excellence and Innovation in Shooting.’ This accolade highlights his unwavering commitment to revolutionizing the sport of shooting in India. However, his vision extends beyond establishing a single institution. He aims to create more than 20 government-backed shooting ranges across the country, providing aspiring shooters with access to world-class facilities at affordable rates.

The mission of Yash Shooting Academy goes beyond technical training. Yogeshwar and his team are dedicated to raising awareness about shooting as a sport, breaking down stereotypes, and promoting responsible gun ownership and usage. They are committed to developing young talent and positioning India as a formidable presence on the global competitive shooting stage. Inclusivity is also at the core of the academy’s philosophy. By making shooting accessible to individuals from all backgrounds, Yogeshwar ensures that the sport is no longer confined to a niche audience in India. His efforts in making shooting training affordable and accessible to a diverse population are helping to democratize the sport. Today, Yash Shooting Academy and Hub stand as a testament to Yogeshwar S. Padloskar’s relentless pursuit of excellence. His dedication to transforming the lives of aspiring shooters and providing them with unparalleled training opportunities has set a new benchmark for shooting in India. Yogeshwar’s journey continues to inspire countless individuals to dream big, work hard, and make meaningful changes in their lives and communities.

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