India Shines with Silver in Women's 10m Air Rifle at Asian Games 2026

India's Shooting Team Celebrates Silver Medal Win

Nagoya, Japan - On September 20, the High Performance Manager of the Indian shooting team, Ronak Pandit, expressed his contentment following India's first medal in shooting at the Asian Games 2026. He noted that the silver medal in the women's 10m air rifle team event was anticipated, given the strength of this discipline for the country.

The Indian team, consisting of Elavenil Valarivan, Sonam Maskar, and Vidarsa Vinod, secured the silver medal with a total score of 1898 points, finishing just behind China. Japan placed fourth, while Korea had one shooter still to complete her series. Elavenil Valarivan stood out with an impressive score of 633.5 points and has qualified for the individual final, alongside Sonam Maskar.

In a statement, Pandit remarked on the fierce competition among the leading teams, particularly China, Korea, and India, while commending the athletes for their efforts. He stated, "This was absolutely expected. It was one of our strong events, and the competition was tight, especially with China and Korea. We were surprised by Japan's strong performance today, as we initially placed fourth after the first relay."

He added, "One of our stronger shooters performed well in the second relay, leading to a result we are pleased with. More importantly, we are proud of our athletes' performances."

Pandit also mentioned that two Indian shooters have advanced to the individual finals, expressing hope for an even better outcome. He emphasized the team's thorough preparation, stating, "Everyone has trained hard and smart, simulating the unique conditions here in Nagoya, which is unlike any other range. It’s quite chaotic, resembling a market more than a shooting range."

He further explained that the team had devised contingency plans to tackle potential challenges during international competitions, crediting the support staff and organizations for their help. "Before departing India, we held a team meeting to discuss our contingency strategies for various scenarios, including potential issues with equipment or travel," he noted.

Pandit concluded by expressing confidence in the athletes' abilities to perform under any circumstances, stating, "A champion is defined not by ideal conditions but by their ability to excel regardless of the situation." He also expressed gratitude to the Indian Olympic Association, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and the Sports Authority of India for their unwavering support.