The Indian contingent at the Asian Games 2026 has continued its impressive run in the shooting arena, securing another significant milestone on the second day of the prestigious multi-sport event. In a display of precision and composure, the Indian men's 10m air rifle team clinched the silver medal, marking India's first medal of the second day and its third overall in the competition so far. This achievement further solidifies India's position as a powerhouse in international shooting, with all three medals won by the nation in this edition of the Asian Games coming from the shooting range.
The Silver-Winning Trio and Their Performance
The silver medal was brought home by the talented trio of Parth Mane, Rudranksh Patil, and Himanshu Dhillon. Competing in the high-pressure environment of the 10m air rifle men's team event final, the Indian shooters demonstrated remarkable consistency. 1 points to secure the second position on the podium. 8 points. 0 points to the team's total. 3 points, ensuring that the Indian team remained ahead of other competitors to claim the silver.
China Takes Gold in a Close Contest
While the Indian team put up a valiant fight and maintained a high standard of shooting throughout the event, the gold medal was claimed by China, while the Chinese team showcased extraordinary skill, finishing with a total of 1899 points to take the top spot on the podium. The gap between the gold and silver medalists highlighted the intense competition at the Asian Games level, where every shot counts toward the final standings. Despite missing out on the gold, the Indian trio's performance was a testament to their rigorous training and focus.
India's Growing Medal Tally in Shooting
This silver medal is particularly significant as it follows the success of the Indian women's shooting team on the opening day of the Asian Games 2026. Previously, the trio of Elavenil Valarivan, Sonam Maskar, and Vidarsa Vinod had opened India's account by winning the silver medal in the 10m air rifle women's team event. With the men's team now matching that feat, India has successfully secured three medals in total, all of which are silver and all of which have been earned in the 10m air rifle discipline. This consistent performance across both men's and women's categories underscores the depth of talent in the Indian shooting squad.
Individual Medal Hopes and Qualifications
The success in the team event has also paved the way for individual glory. Based on their performances in the team qualifying rounds, both Rudranksh Patil and Himanshu Dhillon have successfully qualified for the individual final of the 10m air rifle men's event. Rudranksh Patil entered the final round with a strong ranking of 3rd, while Himanshu Dhillon secured his spot by finishing 7th in the rankings. Unfortunately, Parth Mane couldn't make it to the individual final race. The focus now shifts to the individual event, where India will be hoping to add more medals to its tally, while the individual final is scheduled to take place at 9:00 AM Indian Standard Time, and all eyes will be on Rudranksh and Himanshu as they aim for the podium once again.