India emerged as the dominant force at the 16th Asian Shooting Championship in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, sweeping gold medals in all three mixed team 10m air rifle events: senior, junior, and youth.
Olympians Elavenil Valarivan and Arjun Babuta led the senior category by defeating China 17-11 in the final after topping qualifications with a remarkable 634.0 score. Juniors Shambhavi Kshirsagar & Naraen Pranav and youth pair Ameerah Arshad & Ansh Dabas also claimed gold against tough Chinese and Korean opponents respectively.
Adding to the haul, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar clinched gold in men’s 50m rifle 3 positions. India leads the medal tally with 23 golds, 8 silvers, and 10 bronzes. Officials from the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) hailed the performances as confirmation of India’s preparedness for major international events.
The Golden Trio and Individual Excellence
India’s triumph in the mixed team 10m air rifle category was highlighted by the clinical performance of Elavenil Valarivan and Arjun Babuta.
Having already won individual golds and set a world record the day before, Elavenil teamed with Arjun who also won the men’s 10m air rifle team gold to overpower China’s top shooters Peng Xinlu and Lu Dingke 17-11 in a fiercely competitive final.
Both athletes acknowledged the strength of their rivals and the pressure of the moment. Elavenil described the win as a “sweet moment,” emphasising the intensity and mutual respect between competing teams.
Arjun credited their preparation and tactical approach, noting they used the qualification confidence to drive a strong final performance.
In junior and youth events, Shambhavi Kshirsagar & Naraen Pranav and Ameerah Arshad & Ansh Dabas overcame strong opposition from China and Korea respectively with 16-12 victories, showcasing India’s depth and emerging talent.
Meanwhile, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar’s gold in men’s 50m rifle 3 positions further strengthened India’s medal standing, defeating China’s Zhao Wenyu 462.5 to 462.0 in a closely fought final. NRAI officials praised the cohesive team effort and the steady rise in India’s shooting standards.
Sustained Growth Through Strategy and Investment
India’s overwhelming success at Shymkent, with a total of 41 medals 23 gold, 8 silver, and 10 bronze surpasses China’s tally, marking this as one of India’s best performances in the continental championships to date.
This achievement is the result of a sustained push in grassroots talent development, scientific coaching methodologies, and increased international exposure.
Elavenil and Arjun, both Olympians with recent participation at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, acknowledge their journey of continuous learning and adaptation, including experimenting with equipment and training techniques to sharpen their skills.
The impressive podium finishes across seniors, juniors, and youth reflect a well-structured pipeline ensuring continuity in excellence.
With multiple gold medals already secured prior to the finals, the Indian contingent’s strong cohesion and competitive spirit have set a solid foundation for upcoming global events like the Asian Games and the World Championships.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The successes at the 16th Asian Shooting Championship represent more than just medals they embody the spirit of perseverance, teamwork, and strategic investment in young talent. The Logical Indian views these victories as a bright beacon for India’s sporting future, proving how consistent nurturing of athletes across generations can lead to global success.
Sport is an arena where harmony, respect, and collective pride unite a diverse nation and inspire millions. As India moves ahead on the world stage with renewed confidence and ambition, The Logical Indian invites readers to reflect: What inclusive policies and grassroots initiatives can be strengthened or introduced to sustain India’s rise in Olympic sports and inspire more young athletes nationwide?
