India has made a triumphant start at the XX Asian Games, securing its first medal with a stellar performance in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Team event. The talented squad comprising Elavenil Valarivan, Vidarsa Vinod, and Sonam Maskar delivered a silver medal for the nation on Sunday, September 20, 2026, marking a promising beginning for the Indian contingent at the prestigious continental multi-sport event. India at Asian Games 2026: Day 2 Full Schedule of Indian Athletes in Action Today on September 20
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The Indian shooters showcased remarkable precision and composure throughout the competition held in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan. Their combined efforts saw them clinch the silver, positioning India firmly on the medal table.
Competition Details
The gold medal in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Team event was claimed by China, who finished with an impressive total score of 1904.2. India secured the second spot with a total score of 1898.0, maintaining a crucial 0.9-point lead over third-placed Japan, who earned the bronze with 1897.1 points.
The event not only brought a team silver but also saw individual success for two of India’s shooters. Both Sonam Maskar and Elavenil Valarivan demonstrated their individual prowess by qualifying for the individual final, promising further medal opportunities for India in the coming days.
Athlete Reactions
Speaking after the event, Vidarsa Vinod expressed her satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “I gave my best, really happy with my performance.” Her sentiments resonated with the team’s collective effort and the joy of winning the nation’s inaugural medal at these Games.
The Asian Games 2026
The 20th Asian Games, officially known as Aichi-Nagoya 2026, commenced on September 19, 2026, and will continue until October 4, 2026. Hosted in Japan’s Aichi Prefecture and the city of Nagoya, the event brings together athletes from across Asia to compete in a wide array of sports. The opening ceremony took place on September 19, 2026, at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya.
India’s early success in shooting sets a positive tone for the rest of the competition, with hopes high for more medals as the Games progress. The precision and dedication displayed by the women’s 10m Air Rifle team underscore India’s growing strength in international shooting disciplines. India vs Bangladesh, Live Streaming and Free Telecast of Women’s Asian Games 2026 Cricket Semifinal in India
Key Facts
The Indian shooting contingent will now look to build on this early success, with Valarivan and Maskar aiming for individual glory in their upcoming finals. The entire nation celebrates this significant achievement, eagerly anticipating further triumphs from their athletes at the ongoing Asian Games in Japan.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 20, 2026 10:11 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Original Source: LatestLY
