Vidarsa K Vinod Celebrated for Historic Double Silver at Asian Games 2026

Vidarsa K Vinod, a double silver medallist at the 2026 Asian Games, was warmly welcomed back to Kerala. Her historic achievements in shooting have led to a proposal for a government position to honor her contributions. Vidarsa's success not only marks a personal milestone but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes in the state. Discover more about her journey and the recognition she has received.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 29, 2026, 07:23 IST

Warm Welcome for Vidarsa K Vinod

Vidarsa K Vinod, who secured two silver medals at the 2026 Asian Games, received an enthusiastic reception from fans and family upon her arrival at Thiruvananthapuram Airport on Monday night. Expressing her joy, she stated, "I earned these medals for my country and my people in Kerala. I never anticipated such a grand welcome. It fills me with happiness to be here and see so many supporters."

Historic Achievements at the Asian Games

Vidarsa made history at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games by winning silver medals in two team events. She was a key member of the Indian women's 10m air rifle team, which clinched silver in the first medal event for India. The trio of Vidarsa, Elavenil Valarivan, and Sonam Uttam Maskar achieved a qualification aggregate of 1898.0 points, securing second place.

This accomplishment marks Vidarsa as the first female athlete from Kerala to earn an Asian Games medal in shooting. She later added another silver in the women's 50m rifle 3 positions team event, alongside Tilottama Sen and Ashi Chouksey, finishing with a combined score of 1763-90x, while China took home the gold. Both Vidarsa and Tilottama also advanced to the individual women's 50m rifle 3 positions final.

Government Recognition Proposed

In light of her remarkable performances, Keralam's Sports Minister OJ Janeesh has proposed that Vidarsa be appointed to a suitable government position under the sports quota. In a letter addressed to Keralam Chief Minister VD Satheesan, Janeesh emphasized Vidarsa's historic achievements and requested that her eligibility be reviewed for the appointment. He noted that this recognition would not only honor her accomplishments but also inspire young athletes throughout the state.

India's Strong Performance at the 2026 Asian Games

Vidarsa's two medals contributed to India's impressive performance at the 2026 Asian Games, where the nation consistently achieved podium finishes in shooting and various other sports.