Ashima Ahlawat Reflects on Silver Medal Win at Asian Games 2026

Mixed Emotions Following Silver Medal Achievement

Indian shooter Ashima Ahlawat expressed a blend of satisfaction and disappointment after securing a silver medal at the Asian Games 2026. She noted that the gold medal was within reach, indicating that the competition margins were not insurmountable in the women's trap team event. India finished three points ahead of bronze medalists Kuwait, which left Ashima with mixed feelings despite the podium finish.

Performance Overview

"While I feel satisfied, there's a sense of unhappiness because the gold was attainable; the margins were small. We could have closed the gap, but winning a silver medal is still a reason for joy. However, the absence of gold brings a tinge of sadness," Ashima shared after the event. The Indian team, comprising Ashima, Neeru Dhanda, and Manisha Keer, achieved a total score of 328 points, while China claimed gold with 346 points and Kuwait took bronze with 325 points. Neeru emerged as the top scorer for India with 118 points, while Ashima and Manisha contributed 106 and 104 points, respectively. Neeru later won the individual women's trap gold medal.

Adverse Weather Challenges

Ashima, who celebrated her 23rd birthday on Sunday, highlighted the challenging weather conditions, particularly the rain, which complicated the competition. She commended her fellow Indian shooters for their ability to adapt and improve their standings. "The conditions were fluctuating; it was tough. Our position changed frequently. Despite the rain affecting many competitors, we managed to perform well. We started in third place yesterday and climbed to secure our silver medal today," Ahlawat explained.

Relief Amidst Challenges

The silver medal provided a sense of relief for Ashima after what she described as a challenging experience in Japan. She mentioned that the medal allowed the team to move past their difficulties. "This medal is a reward for our efforts. We faced numerous challenges since arriving in Japan due to poor organization. However, achieving this medal helps us forget those issues and look ahead," she stated.

Personal Dedication and Gratitude

Despite the disappointment of not winning gold, Ashima expressed gratitude for not returning empty-handed from the Asian Games. "There is satisfaction in knowing we are not leaving without a medal. We have a silver, but there is also disappointment," she remarked. Ashima dedicated her medal to her mother and plans to celebrate with friends and family before taking a well-deserved break. She also mentioned her first cheat meal post-Games would be palak patta chaat. Additionally, she acknowledged the support from the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the national federation, and TOPS during their training preparations. "SAI and our federation provided immense support, which is why we feel disappointed that we couldn't perform as well as we had hoped," she concluded.