Keralam Sports Minister Proposes Government Role for Asian Games Silver Medalist Vidarsa K Vinod

Keralam's sports minister, OJ Janeesh, has proposed that Vidarsa K Vinod, who won a silver medal at the 2026 Asian Games, be appointed to a government position under the sports quota. This recommendation highlights her historic achievement as the first woman from Keralam to earn an Asian Games shooting medal. The minister's letter to the Chief Minister emphasizes the importance of recognizing her accomplishments to inspire future athletes. The Indian women's team secured silver in the 10m Air Rifle event, marking a significant moment for Indian sports. Read on to discover more about this inspiring story and the implications for sports in Keralam.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 20, 2026, 23:59 IST

Recognition for a Historic Achievement

Thiruvananthapuram, Keralam – On September 20, the sports minister of Keralam, OJ Janeesh, has suggested that Vidarsa K Vinod, a silver medalist at the 2026 Asian Games, be appointed to a relevant position in government service under the sports quota.

India marked its entry into the medal tally at the 2026 Asian Games held in Aichi-Nagoya, where the women's 10m Air Rifle team, consisting of Elavenil Valarivan, Sonam Uttam Maskar, and Vidarsa Kochalumkal Vinod, achieved a qualification score of 1898.0 points, earning a silver medal.

In a formal letter addressed to Chief Minister VD Satheesan, Janeesh emphasized that Vidarsa Vinod should be considered for a government role due to her remarkable accomplishment as the first female athlete from Keralam to secure an Asian Games shooting medal. He urged the authorities to assess her qualifications and begin the necessary processes, stating that her appointment would honor her achievement and motivate aspiring athletes in the region.

“Ms. Vidarsa K. Vinod, hailing from Kozhikode, has made Keralam proud by winning the Silver Medal in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Team Event at the 2026 Asian Games. She was part of the Indian team that brought home the first medal for India at these Games and is the first woman from Kerala to achieve this in shooting. In light of this historic feat, I propose that Ms. Vidarsa K. Vinod be considered for a suitable government position under the sports quota, contingent upon meeting the necessary qualifications and verification of her credentials,” Janeesh stated in his letter.

“I kindly request that the General Administration Department and relevant authorities be directed to review her case according to the applicable regulations and initiate the required proceedings. Her appointment would duly acknowledge her exceptional achievement and inspire young athletes throughout Kerala,” he added.

In the women's 10m Air Rifle team event, the gold medal was claimed by China with a score of 1904.2 points, featuring Wang Zifei (636.8), Han Jiayu (633.8), and Du Yuchen (633.6) as part of their winning team.

Japan, the host nation, secured the bronze medal with a total score of 1897.1. Sonam led India's qualifying efforts with an impressive score of 634.1, finishing third, while Elavenil qualified in seventh with 633.5. Vidarsa contributed a solid score of 630.4, placing 12th in individual rankings and helping secure the team silver for India.