Keralam Sports Minister Advocates for Government Role for Asian Games Silver Medalist

Keralam Sports Minister's Proposal

OJ Janeesh, the sports minister of Keralam, has suggested that Vidarsa K Vinod, who won a silver medal at the 2026 Asian Games, be appointed to a suitable government position under the sports quota.

India's First Medal at the 2026 Asian Games

India marked its entry into the medal tally at the 2026 Asian Games held in Aichi-Nagoya. 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 them a silver medal.

Recognition for Historic Achievement

In a formal letter addressed to Chief Minister VD Satheesan, OJ Janeesh emphasized the significance of Vidarsa's achievement as she is the first female athlete from Keralam to secure an Asian Games shooting medal. He urged the government to assess her qualifications and begin the necessary procedures for her appointment, highlighting that this recognition would motivate aspiring athletes in the region.

Janeesh stated, "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 clinched the country's first medal at these Games and is the first woman from Kerala to achieve this in shooting. I propose that she be considered for a government position under the sports quota, pending verification of her qualifications and credentials."

He further requested that the General Administration Department and relevant authorities review her case according to the applicable regulations and initiate the necessary actions. This appointment would duly acknowledge her remarkable accomplishment and inspire young athletes throughout Keralam.

Results of the Women's 10m Air Rifle Team Event

In the women's 10m Air Rifle team event, China secured the gold medal with a total of 1904.2 points, thanks to the performances of Wang Zifei (636.8), Han Jiayu (633.8), and Du Yuchen (633.6). Japan took home the bronze medal with a combined score of 1897.1.

Sonam led the Indian team's qualifying round with an impressive score of 634.1, finishing third overall. Elavenil followed closely in seventh place with a score of 633.5, while Vidarsa contributed a solid 630.4, placing 12th individually and helping the team secure the silver medal.