In a landmark achievement at the 2026 Asian Rifle & Pistol Championships in New Delhi, India, Rudrankksh Patil clinched the men’s 10 m air rifle gold, ending a seven‑year wait for an individual Indian gold in this event at the Asian level, while Arjun Babuta secured silver, giving India a rare double podium finish in men’s rifle.
The host nation also dominated other events, with Olympian Esha Singh winning women’s 10 m air pistol gold, Samrat Rana adding a bronze, and India’s medal tally reaching double digits within the early days of competition.
Officials from the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) hailed the performances as a major milestone in Indian shooting ahead of the Asian Games and the 2028 Olympic cycle, emphasising the growth of talent and competitive spirit in the sport.
‘Double Podium’ & Gold on Home Soil
At the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi, the men’s 10 m air rifle final became the centrepiece of India’s shooting success. Rudrankksh Patil emerged victorious in the individual final, claiming gold with a composed and high‑scoring performance, while Arjun Babuta finished with silver, creating a memorable one‑two finish for India a feat not seen in this event for nearly a decade. This result marked the first individual men’s air rifle gold for India at the Asian Championships in seven years and underlined India’s rising stature in rifle events on the continental stage.
The Indian men’s rifle team featuring Patil, Babuta and teammate Vishal Singh was also awarded the team gold, reinforcing India’s depth in rifle shooting. The championships are drawing a large field of competitors from across Asia, but the home favourites have seized the early momentum.
Meanwhile, in pistol disciplines, Indian markswomen and marksmen added to the medal tally. Olympian Esha Singh delivered a commanding performance to win the women’s 10 m air pistol individual gold, after coming from behind in the final to score 239.8, while India’s women’s pistol team also finished atop the podium. World champion Samrat Rana took bronze in the men’s 10 m air pistol event, showcasing consistency among India’s pistol shooters.
In mixed team events, the hosts continued to shine, with Samrat Rana and Suruchi Singh clinching silver in the 10 m air pistol mixed team, extending India’s prominence in both individual and team contests.
Officials and coaches from the NRAI expressed their delight at India’s start to the championships, describing the double podium in men’s rifle and multiple medals across other events as evidence of improved training structures and rising international competitiveness.
Context & Competitive Landscape
The 2026 Asian Rifle & Pistol Championships, running from 2 to 14 February at New Delhi’s premier shooting facility, draw athletes from over 20 nations and mark a key event in the breadth of the sport’s calendar.
While this edition offers no direct Olympic quota places, it serves as an important barometer for competitors ahead of the Asian Games and eventual 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, allowing shooters to gauge form, strategy and resilience under pressure early in the season.
India entered the continental meet with a strong squad of 118 shooters the largest contingent among participating nations spanning senior, junior and youth categories. The depth of talent and diversity of medal prospects reflects years of investment in grassroots programmes, high‑performance coaching and competitive exposure through World Cups and other international circuits.
This year’s championships also highlight evolving narratives beyond podium finishes. For example, changes in competition formats especially in mixed team events have challenged even leading shooters, as some athletes navigated new rules during finals. Young competitors, such as Suruchi Phogat and Samrat Rana in mixed events, adapted quickly to secure medals despite unfamiliar conditions, underscoring the dynamism of the sport.
At the same time, recent reporting has shed light on the psychological challenges young world‑class shooters face, including managing expectations and emotional pressure after early success. Leading figures like Rudrankksh Patil and world pistol champion Samrat Rana are cited as examples of athletes balancing elite performance with the mental strains of high stakes competition.
India’s recent history in shooting has seen significant achievements: Patil’s earlier World Championship success, Rana’s historic world title in air pistol, and multiple World Cup victories have all contributed to shaping a competitive environment where Indian shooters are now consistently in medal contention on international stages.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
India’s early surge at the 2026 Asian Rifle & Pistol Championships can be celebrated not only for its medal count but for the broader stories it tells about determination, perseverance and teamwork. In a sport where individual precision meets mental fortitude, these performances reflect the collective strength of athletes who have balanced rigorous training with the pressures of elite competition.
As India continues to build momentum in shooting sports, it is worth reflecting on the importance of expanding access to quality training, mental health support and competitive opportunities for young shooters across regions and communities. This is not just about winning medals, but about nurturing a culture where talent from diverse backgrounds can thrive, feel valued, and inspire others to pursue excellence with integrity and empathy.
