Sonam Maskar Shines with Silver Medal at Asian Games 2026
Proud Moment for Indian Shooter
Sonam Maskar, an Indian shooter, expressed immense pride after clinching the silver medal in the women's 10m air rifle team event at the Asian Games 2026. She extended her gratitude to her family, sponsors, the federation, and the Sports Authority of India for their unwavering support. In an interview following her remarkable performance on Sunday, Sonam described this achievement as a significant milestone for both herself and her country. "I feel really good. This is a proud moment for me, my family, and India. I want to thank everyone—my sponsors, the Federation, SAI, and all who supported me in winning this medal," she stated.
Alongside teammates Elavenil Valarivan and Vidarsa Vinod, Sonam secured the silver medal in the women's 10m air rifle team event at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026, marking the beginning of India's medal tally at the Games. Sonam was the top scorer for India in the team event, achieving 634.1 points, while Elavenil contributed 633.5 points and Vidarsa added 630.4 points, bringing the team's total to 1898.0 points.
A Journey Sparked in College
Reflecting on her journey in shooting, Sonam shared that she began her rifle shooting career during her college years in 2019 after exploring the limited sports options available to her. "I started during college in 2019. There were only four sports to choose from: rifle shooting, archery, boxing, and judo. I wasn't keen on boxing or judo, and I only tried archery for a short time. However, I found my passion in rifle shooting, and soon after, I won a medal at the DSO, which fueled my interest further. That's how my journey began," she recounted.
Dedication to Family
Sonam dedicated her medal to her parents, acknowledging their crucial support throughout her athletic career. "To my father and mother, who have stood by me through numerous hardships and challenges. Their support has been immense, and without them, I don't think I would be here today," she expressed.
Diet and Sacrifices
Discussing the sacrifices athletes often make during competitions, Sonam mentioned her adherence to specific diet plans but expressed a desire to indulge in Indian cuisine. "Right now, I just want to eat Indian food. But yes, everyone has their own specific diets and diet plans," she added.