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India Dominates Asian Shooting Championships

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, February 6th 2026 at 22:46 GMT by ESPN
      Locale: Delhi, INDIA

New Delhi, India - February 7th, 2026 - The Asian Shooting Championships are well underway at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi, and the host nation, India, is making a powerful statement, securing a strong start to the competition. Saturday marks the continuation of the championships, building on a successful opening day that saw Indian shooters claim a significant portion of the medals awarded.

The championships, attracting a remarkable field of over 350 athletes from 45 countries, serve as a crucial qualifying event for the upcoming Paris Olympics in 2028. This added pressure hasn't seemed to faze the Indian contingent, who are demonstrating both skill and composure under the spotlight. The competition is fierce, with established shooting powerhouses like China, South Korea, and Japan all vying for coveted Olympic berths.

Friday's results were particularly impressive for the Indian team. Divyansh Panwar delivered a stellar performance to clinch gold in the men's 10m air rifle event. His consistent shooting and calm demeanor under pressure proved decisive, showcasing the years of dedicated training. Sania Sheikh added to the medal tally with a bronze in the women's 10m air rifle, battling through a competitive field to secure her place on the podium.

The men's 10m air pistol event also saw success for India, with both Vijayveer Sidhu and Robert Samir Singh securing bronze medals. This double podium finish highlights the depth of talent within the Indian pistol shooting program, a program that has consistently produced world-class athletes over the past decade.

A Growing Shooting Culture in India

The success of the Indian shooters isn't a sudden phenomenon. A concerted effort by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), coupled with increased government funding and the establishment of world-class training facilities, has fostered a burgeoning shooting culture across the country. What was once a niche sport is now gaining mainstream popularity, attracting a new generation of aspiring shooters.

Several factors contribute to this growth. The availability of modern shooting ranges and equipment, combined with experienced coaches and sports scientists, provides a supportive environment for athletes to develop their skills. Furthermore, increased media coverage of shooting events has raised awareness and inspired more young people to take up the sport.

Looking Ahead: Olympic Qualification and Beyond The Asian Shooting Championships are not merely about medals; they are a stepping stone toward the Paris Olympics. Each event offers a limited number of Olympic quota places, making every shot crucial. The Indian shooters are under immense pressure to secure as many of these quota spots as possible, ensuring that India is well-represented at the Games.

Beyond the Olympics, the championships serve as a valuable platform for young shooters to gain international experience and test their mettle against the best in the world. The NRAI is actively investing in talent identification and development programs to ensure a sustainable pipeline of future champions.

The Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, a renowned facility that has hosted numerous international competitions, is once again proving to be an ideal venue for the Asian Championships. The range boasts state-of-the-art equipment, comfortable viewing facilities, and a dedicated team of officials and volunteers.

The competition continues throughout the weekend, with events scheduled in various disciplines, including pistol, rifle, and shotgun. Expect further intense battles and exciting performances as shooters from across Asia compete for glory and Olympic qualification. Fans can follow the action through live streaming and regular updates from the official championships website. The Indian team, buoyed by their strong start, will undoubtedly be looking to build on their success and cement their position as a leading force in Asian shooting.