Asian Games 2026: Indian Shooters Clinch Silver In Women 10m Air Rifle Team Event

The Indian contingent at the Asian Games 2026 has officially opened its medal account with a stellar performance in the shooting arena. In a display of precision and composure, the Indian women's shooting trio of Elavenil Valarivan, Vidarsa Vinod, and Sonam Maskar clinched the silver medal in the 10m Air Rifle Team event. This achievement marks a significant milestone for India at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, setting a positive tone for the rest of the competition. The Indian shooters demonstrated exceptional skill throughout the event, ensuring that the country's first physical medal came from a discipline where India has traditionally been strong.

The Silver Performance by the Indian Trio

The Indian team, comprising Elavenil Valarivan, Sonam Maskar, and Vidarsa Vinod, delivered a consistent performance to secure the second position on the podium. 0 points. Their performance was a testament to their rigorous training and coordination as a unit. Each member of the team contributed Importantly to the final tally, maintaining their focus under the high-pressure environment of the Asian Games. 0 points, they managed to outshine several other competitive nations, including the host country, to claim the silver medal for India.

China Sets World Record for Gold

While the Indian team put up a valiant effort, the gold medal was claimed by the Chinese shooting team, who performed at an extraordinary level. The Chinese shooters not only won the top prize but also established a new World Record in the process. 2 points. This record-breaking performance highlighted the intense level of competition at the Aichi-Nagoya games, while 2 points, showcasing the dominance of the Chinese team in this particular event on the global stage.

Japan Secures Bronze on Home Soil

The battle for the podium was closely contested, with the host nation, Japan, also in the mix until the very end, while the Japanese shooting team finished in third place to take home the bronze medal. 1 points. 9 points. The presence of the home crowd provided a boost to the Japanese athletes, but the Indian trio of Elavenil Valarivan, Vidarsa Vinod, and Sonam Maskar held their nerves to ensure a second-place finish.

Significance of the First Medal for India

The silver medal in the women's 10m air rifle team event is officially the first medal won by India at the Asian Games 2026. Although a medal in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) had been confirmed earlier in terms of progression, the shooting event concluded first, making this the first actual addition to India's medal tally. Shooting has always been a powerhouse sport for India in international multi-sport events, and this early success reinforces that reputation. The achievement by Elavenil Valarivan, Vidarsa Vinod, and Sonam Maskar has opened the doors for more potential medals as the shooting campaign continues in Aichi-Nagoya. Given the caliber of Indian shooters, there are high expectations for more podium finishes in the coming days of the tournament.