Shooter Dadi: Chandro Tomar, better known as Shooter Dadi succumbed to COVID-19 complications on April 30. She was getting treatment at Meerut Medical College and reportedly had difficulty in breathing.
Tomar who is known for her sharpshooting skills left behind many people grieving, Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also took to social media to pay his tribute. The Minister called Shooter Dadi "an epitome of gender equality &champion of women's rights". "The courage with which she challenged patriarchy and took up shooting as a sport will inspire generations to come. Condolences to her family," he added.
An epitome of gender equality & champion of women’s rights Smt Chandro Tomar, known as ‘Shooter Dadi’ by her fans & admirers is no more.
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) April 30, 2021
The courage with which she challenged patriarchy & took up shooting as a sport will inspire generations to come.
Condolences to her family. pic.twitter.com/mhvOaGjAZI
There are some news which you don't want to believe until you can't deny anymore.
— Somesh Upadhyay (@Somesh_IAS) April 30, 2021
Truly sad and shocking day when we lost Rohit Sardana ji, Shooter Dadi and Chief Secretary of Bihar Shri Arun Kr. Singh, IAS to this cruel disease.
Chandro Tomar believed to be the oldest sharpshooter first picked up the gun after she had turned 60. She not only learned the sport but also went on to win several national competitions. She and her sister Prakashi Tomar, who is also one of the oldest shooters in the world, used to participate with her many competitions.
Never met #ShooterDadi but could feel the warmth in her tweets whenever we interacted. Deeply saddened to learn of her passing, my heartfelt condolences to the family 🙏🏻
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) April 30, 2021
Actor Akshay Kumar also took to Twitter to offer his condolences. He wrote that he never met Chandro Tomar but could 'feel the warmth in her tweets whenever we interacted'.
The sisters inspired a Bollywood film in 2019 named Saand Ki Aankh. The actors Bhumi Pednekar and Taapsee Pannu essayed the role of the two sisters.
You will be missed so much ❤️
— bhumi pednekar (@bhumipednekar) April 30, 2021
Forever #ChandroTomar #ShooterDadi pic.twitter.com/zM9nEhq5Ic
Devastated by the news of Chandro Dadi’s demise. Feels like a part of me is gone. She made her own rules & paved the path for many girl to find their dream. Her legacy will live on in them. Condolences to the family. Am lucky I got to know and be her 🙏#ChandroTomar #ShooterDadi
— bhumi pednekar (@bhumipednekar) April 30, 2021
Chandro Tomar's death follows millions of deaths due to COVID-19 in India. The second wave of the virus has already claimed so many and the number of cases is at an all-time high. According to reported figures, 2,08,330 people have died of COVID-19 so far. India has also surpassed Brazil and comes right after the United States of America with 1.87 crore positive cases.
Earlier on Friday, Rohit Sardana, a news anchor at a popular channel died of a heart attack. He was also going through COVID-19 treatment.