India's Shooting Team Shines with Silver at Asian Games 2026
India's Strong Start at the Asian Games
Ronak Pandit, the High Performance Manager for the Indian shooting team, expressed his contentment following the team's initial medal achievement at the 2026 Asian Games. He noted that this outcome was anticipated given the strength of this event for India.
Silver Medal in Women's 10m Air Rifle Team Event
The Indian team clinched a silver medal in the women's 10m air rifle team competition at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. The trio of Elavenil Valarivan, Sonam Maskar, and Vidarsa Vinod secured the country's first medal of the Games on Sunday, accumulating a total of 1898 points, finishing second to China. Japan placed fourth, while Korea had one shooter still to complete her series. Elavenil Valarivan stood out with a score of 633.5 points and has qualified for the individual final, alongside Sonam Maskar.
Positive Outlook from the Manager
In an interview on Sunday, Pandit remarked on the fierce competition among the leading teams, particularly China, Korea, and India. He commended the athletes for their efforts, stating, "This was absolutely expected. It was one of our strong events, and the competition was very tight. We were surprised by Japan's performance, as we did not anticipate them being this competitive. After the first relay, we found ourselves in fourth place." He added, "However, one of our stronger shooters excelled in the second relay, leading to a result we are pleased with. More importantly, we are proud of our athletes' performances."
Focus on Individual Finals
Pandit also pointed out that two Indian shooters have advanced to the individual finals, expressing hope for an even better outcome. "With both athletes qualifying, we are optimistic about achieving a superior result in the finals shortly," he stated.
Strategic Training and Preparation
Discussing the shooting team's preparations, including Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker, Pandit emphasized that the athletes have trained rigorously and adapted to the conditions in Nagoya. He noted, "Everyone has trained hard and smart, simulating the unique conditions here. This range is unlike any other; it feels more chaotic, akin to a market than a shooting range. We have prepared our athletes accordingly."
Addressing Potential Challenges
Pandit elaborated on the team's contingency plans for potential challenges during international competitions, acknowledging the support from staff and organizations. "Before departing India, we held a team meeting to discuss our contingency strategies and possible scenarios. Issues can arise, such as organizers making mistakes or athletes forgetting essential equipment. We are confident that everyone will perform at their best, and ultimately, it depends on how others perform. A true champion excels regardless of the circumstances," he added.
Appreciation for Support
He expressed gratitude towards the Indian Olympic Association, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and the Sports Authority of India for their unwavering support. "Our team has proactively addressed potential issues, and we have a robust support team to guide our athletes. I am very thankful to the IOA, the ministry, and SAI for their assistance," Pandit concluded.