New Delhi erupted in cheers as India’s shooting stars continued their golden streak at the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship. On the second day of intense competition, the host nation racked up an impressive tally of 10 gold medals, solidifying their lead over rivals.
Current world champion Samrat Rana and World Cup Finals winner Suruchi Singh shone brightly in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event, clinching silver with a valiant effort. Despite their strong qualification performance topping the charts with 583 points, they fell just short in the 48-shot pair final against Uzbekistan’s Nigina Saidkulova and Mukhammad Kamalov, who scored 481.3 to India’s 479.6.
The junior and youth categories became India’s hunting ground. Left-hander Rashmika Sehgal dominated the women’s 10m Air Pistol Junior event with a stellar 237.9, followed closely by Vanshika Chaudhary at 236.7 for silver. In the youth category, Priyanshi Porwal and Chahak Kohli secured a commanding 1-2 finish with scores of 234.8 and 233.0 respectively.
Team events further boosted the medal count. Rashmika, Vanshika, and Agam Grewal combined for 1,714 points to win gold in the Junior Women’s Air Pistol Team, outpacing Kazakhstan by 43 points. Priyanshi, Chahak, and Shiksha Saran mirrored the success in the Youth category with 1,709 points, leaving Kazakhstan with silver once more.
With five silvers and one bronze added, India’s total stands unmatched. Uzbekistan trails with three golds, while Vietnam and Chinese Taipei made finals appearances but couldn’t dethrone the hosts. As Friday unfolds with mixed team pistol battles and men’s 10m Air Rifle finals, India eyes even more glory in this prestigious continental showdown.