India opened its medal account at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with the women’s 10m air rifle team winning a silver medal on September 20.
The Indian trio of Elavenil Valarivan, Sonam Maskar and Vidarsa Vinod combined for the podium finish, giving the country its first confirmed medal of the Games. China took gold, while hosts Japan won bronze.
WhatsApp Image 2024 07 01 at 13.58.28 4cfca4e0
India’s First Medal Comes From Shooting
The Indian team produced a strong performance in the women’s 10m air rifle team event.
China finished first with 1904.2 points, while India secured silver and Japan finished third with 1897.1 points.
The result continues India’s strong record in shooting at the Asian Games and gives the Indian contingent an early medal in Aichi-Nagoya.
Elavenil Valarivan Leads India’s Individual Challenge
Attention then shifted to the individual 10m air rifle competition, where Elavenil Valarivan and Sonam Maskarwere among the Indian shooters competing for places in the final.
The individual final was scheduled for 11:00 AM IST, with the Indian shooters required to qualify from the earlier round.
Elavenil entered the event with strong recent international credentials, including a gold medal in the women’s 10m air rifle at the 2026 Asian Shooting Championships.
Three Indian Shooters in the Spotlight
The Indian women’s 10m air rifle squad featured:
● Elavenil Valarivan – one of India’s leading rifle shooters
● Sonam Maskar – another strong contender in the individual event
● Vidarsa Vinod – part of India’s silver-medal-winning team
Their combined performance delivered India’s opening medal at the Games.
The shooting silver comes as India’s athletes begin a busy day of competition across several sports.
India’s September 20 schedule also includes women’s cricket, hockey, badminton, table tennis, wushu, swimming, teqball and mixed martial arts.
The women’s cricket team is scheduled to face Bangladesh in the semifinal, while both Indian hockey teams begin their campaigns during the day.
1. India Opens Its Medal Tally
The women’s 10m air rifle team silver is India’s first confirmed medal at the 2026 Asian Games.
2. Shooting Continues to Be a Key Sport
India has a strong history in Asian Games shooting, and the opening-day silver adds another medal to that record.
3. Elavenil Remains in Individual Focus
After the team event, attention turned to the individual 10m air rifle final, where Elavenil was among India’s representatives.
4. More Indian Medal Opportunities Ahead
With several events taking place on September 20, India’s medal campaign continues across multiple sports.
India’s Asian Games 2026 campaign is officially underway on the medal board.
The women’s 10m air rifle team of Elavenil Valarivan, Sonam Maskar and Vidarsa Vinod has delivered India’s first medal a silver and the shooting competition continues with the individual event.
One medal secured, and India’s campaign in Aichi-Nagoya continues. 🇮🇳🥈
