India’s Dream Start at Asian Shooting Championship 2026
India delivered a commanding performance on Day 1 of the Asian Shooting Championship 2026, winning an impressive nine medals, including six golds, at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Ranges in New Delhi on Wednesday, February 4. The hosts finished the opening day far ahead at the top of the medal tally, underlining India’s growing dominance in international shooting.
The highlight of the day was a stellar double-gold performance by Olympian Esha Singh, who once again proved her class in the women’s 10m air pistol event.
Esha Singh’s Golden Comeback in Women’s 10m Air Pistol
Former mixed team world champion Esha Singh clinched her second career Asian Championship gold in the women’s 10m air pistol, scoring 239.8 in a high-quality final. The Hyderabad shooter showed remarkable composure after starting in seventh place following the first five shots.
With consistent accuracy, Esha surged up the leaderboard and took a decisive lead after the 19th shot of the 24-shot final. Shooters from Chinese Taipei, Cheng Yen-Ching and Yu Ai-Wen, finished with silver and bronze respectively.
Experts noted that Esha’s ability to recover under pressure reflects the mental strength Indian shooters have developed ahead of major global events.
Team India Excels Across Categories
India’s success extended beyond individual events:
Women’s Air Pistol Team Gold:
Esha Singh, Manu Bhaker, and Suruchi Singh combined to score 1726, finishing 13 points ahead of Vietnam.
Men’s Air Pistol Team Silver:
Samrat Rana, Sharvan Kumar, and Varun Tomar secured second place.
Men’s Individual Bronze:
Reigning world champion Samrat Rana won bronze with a score of 220.3 in the 10m air pistol.
Uzbekistan’s Vladimir Svechnikov claimed gold, while Kazakhstan’s Valeriy Rakhimzan took silver.
Junior and Youth Shooters Add to Medal Rush
India’s depth in shooting talent was evident in junior and youth events. Jonathan Gavin Antony won double gold in the junior men’s 10m air pistol—claiming individual gold with 240.9 and team gold alongside Chirag Sharma and Priyanshu Yadav.
In the men’s youth category, Dhairya Parashar won gold and Mandeep Chauhan silver, as India also secured the team gold in the event.
Why This Championship Matters Now
The Asian Shooting Championship 2026 will run for 10 days until February 13, featuring 311 athletes from 20 countries competing for 30 medals. With Paris Olympics qualification cycles and world rankings in focus, strong performances here are crucial for shooters aiming to secure future international berths.
India’s dominant start not only boosts confidence but also signals the country’s readiness to challenge the best in Asia and beyond.
Day 1 of the Asian Shooting Championship 2026 showcased India’s rising power in shooting sports. With nine medals already secured, led by Esha Singh’s golden brilliance, the hosts have set a strong tone for the days ahead—raising expectations of an even bigger medal haul by the end of the championship.
