Elavenil Valarivan Wins Silver in 10m Air Rifle at Asian Games
Indian shooter Elavenil Valarivan won a silver medal in the women's 10m air rifle individual event at the 2026 Asian Games, scoring 252.4 points. She also contributed to a silver in the women's team event. The Games are held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, 2026.
Elavenil Valarivan secured a silver medal for India in the women’s 10m air rifle individual event at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Competing on September 20, 2026, Valarivan finished with a score of 252.4 points, narrowly missing the gold by just 0.6 points. Her success added to a growing medal count for the Indian shooting contingent, signaling the country’s steady development in the sport.
These 20th Asian Games opened on September 19 and are scheduled to run until October 4, with nearly 470 sets of medals being contested. While events are centered in Nagoya City and Aichi Prefecture, competitions are also being held in Tokyo and Izu. India entered the Games with the goal of surpassing the 100-medal mark, a target supported by a long history of strength in shooting that has already yielded several podium finishes this year.
Valarivan’s path to her individual silver began earlier in the women’s team event. Alongside teammates Sonam Maskar and Vidarsa Kochalumkal, she helped secure a team silver medal, a result that established a positive momentum for her individual performance. This collective effort, supported by the coaching staff, provided a foundation of confidence and focus that Valarivan carried into her solo competition.
Such results do more than simply increase the national medal tally; they help raise the profile of shooting across India. These achievements often serve as a catalyst for younger athletes and can drive interest in local sports programs. Over time, this visibility encourages further investment in the specialized training facilities and resources needed to maintain a high level of performance on the international stage.
The Indian shooting team now looks to maintain this pace as the Asian Games continue. With many events remaining on the schedule, the opportunity for further medals remains high. The work of athletes like Valarivan and her teammates reflects a broader national effort toward sporting excellence, as India seeks to establish itself as a consistent competitor across a wide range of disciplines.
Enjoyed this story?
Show the newsroom a little love — one tap per reader.
Maria champions local voices and the communities behind the headlines.
Be part of the good
Stories like this start with people who care. Share it, or submit your own uplifting story to inspire millions today.
