Indian shooter Elavenil Valarivan delivered a stellar performance to win the women’s 10m air rifle gold medal at the ongoing Asian Rifle & Pistol Championship 2026 at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi. Her compatriot Meghana Sajjanar secured the bronze medal, ensuring a double podium finish for India in the event.
Adding to the celebrations, India also clinched the team gold medal, reaffirming the country’s dominance in the competition. The championship, which has drawn top shooters from across Asia, serves as an important stepping stone towards upcoming international qualifiers and the Asian Games.
Officials from the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) congratulated the athletes for their discipline, focus, and consistency under pressure, calling the results a proud moment for Indian sport. Coaches and team managers highlighted how rigorous training, mental conditioning, and strong grassroots systems contributed to the victories.
With home advantage and enthusiastic crowd support, Indian shooters have been delivering impressive performances across categories, making the nation one of the standout participants in this edition of the championship.
Golden moment for Indian shooting
Elavenil Valarivan’s path to the gold medal was marked by composure, technical precision, and nerves of steel. Competing against some of Asia’s finest shooters, she maintained remarkable consistency through the qualification rounds before rising to the occasion in the final.
Her accurate shooting and calm temperament enabled her to finish at the top of the scoreboard, outclassing strong competitors from Japan, China, and Korea. Meghana Sajjanar, another talented member of the Indian squad, fought hard to claim the bronze medal, ensuring that two Indian athletes stood proudly on the podium.
Their combined efforts, along with those of their teammates, helped India secure the coveted team gold medal in the women’s 10m air rifle event. Speaking to the media after the win, NRAI representatives praised the athletes’ dedication and preparation.
“This result reflects the hard work put in by our shooters and coaches over months of training. Performing under pressure at a major continental championship is never easy, and our athletes have shown great maturity,” an NRAI official said. The victory also reinforces Elavenil’s reputation as one of India’s most reliable international shooters, adding yet another major achievement to her growing list of accolades.
Building on a legacy of excellence
The Asian Rifle & Pistol Championship has long been considered a crucial platform for shooters to test themselves against the best talent in the continent. For India, the 2026 edition has turned into a showcase of depth and potential. The country has enjoyed success not only in the women’s air rifle category but across multiple disciplines.
On the same day as Elavenil’s triumph, young marksman Rudrankksh Patil captured the junior men’s 10m air rifle gold, while several other Indian shooters made it to finals and podium finishes in different events. Earlier in the competition, India also celebrated victories in air pistol categories, including a memorable gold medal performance by Esha Singh.
These results highlight the effectiveness of India’s long-term investment in shooting infrastructure, modern training facilities, and scientific coaching methods. Hosting the championship at home has further boosted confidence and provided valuable exposure to younger athletes.
Experts believe that such strong continental performances will play a key role in preparing Indian shooters for future challenges, including Olympic qualification tournaments and world championships. The consistent medal haul indicates that Indian shooting is no longer dependent on a few stars but is steadily developing a robust pipeline of world-class talent.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Sport has a unique power to inspire hope, build confidence, and bring people together, and the achievements of Elavenil Valarivan and Meghana Sajjanar exemplify exactly that spirit. Their success is not just a personal milestone but also a reflection of what focused effort, equal opportunity, and supportive ecosystems can achieve. At a time when young Indians are searching for role models across diverse fields, such victories send a powerful message that dreams are attainable with perseverance and discipline.
More importantly, these accomplishments remind us that sporting arenas can become spaces of unity, where differences of language, region, and background fade away in celebration of collective pride. The Logical Indian believes that recognising and nurturing talent especially among young women in sports can create pathways to a more inclusive and progressive society.
