Historic Bronze for India in Skeet Mixed Team Event at Asian Games 2026
India's Remarkable Achievement in Skeet Shooting
File image of Parinaaz Dhaliwal and Anantjeet Singh Naruka(Photo: IANS)
Aichi, Sep 24: In a historic moment for Indian shooting, Anantjeet Singh Naruka and Parinaaz Dhaliwal secured the bronze medal in the skeet mixed team event at the 2026 Asian Games held in Aichi-Nagoya. This marks India's inaugural medal in this category at the continental competition.
The duo achieved a score of 44 hits out of 48 shots, tying with South Korea. However, they were edged out in the tie-breaker due to a lower qualifying score of 138, compared to South Korea's 143. China claimed the gold medal with 45 hits, while South Korea took home the silver with 44 hits.
Naruka and Dhaliwal kicked off the final round strong, hitting seven out of their first eight shots, with Naruka achieving a perfect four hits before Dhaliwal missed one. Both China and South Korea started flawlessly, each hitting eight targets.
India maintained its competitive edge through subsequent series, with Naruka achieving three perfect rounds and Dhaliwal contributing several clean series, keeping them in close contention with the leaders.
After 16 shots, India was tied for second place with South Korea at 14 hits, trailing behind China's flawless 16. Following the third series, India surged to 21 hits, three ahead of Qatar, while China and South Korea had 23 and 22, respectively. Qatar was eliminated, ensuring India at least a bronze medal.
The Indian team continued to push for a higher placement. After 32 shots, China and South Korea were tied at 30, with India just one point behind at 29. After 40 shots, the Chinese and Koreans remained level at 38, while India was at 36.
In the final series, Naruka and Dhaliwal delivered a perfect score of eight out of eight, finishing with a total of 44. South Korea also reached 44 after Lee Jongjun missed twice, while Jang Kookhee hit all four attempts, and China finished with 45.
With India and South Korea tied, the tie-breaker rules were applied, favoring South Korea due to their superior qualifying score. Nevertheless, India secured the bronze medal.
Naruka, who previously finished fourth in the skeet mixed team event at the Paris Olympics alongside Maheshwari Chauhan, was also part of the Indian mixed team that qualified fourth for the Asian Games final.