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Asian Games 2026: Indian shooting contingent bags two silver medals on opening day as Elavenil stars in Aichi-Nagoya

Aichi-Nagoya [Japan] : India opened its medal campaign at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with a double-silver performance in shooting, led by an impressive display from Olympian Elavenil Valarivan on Sunday.

The women’s 10m Air Rifle event delivered two podium finishes for India, giving the country a strong start on the first full day of competition. Elavenil Valarivan secured silver in the individual final, while Valarivan, Sonam Uttam Maskar and Vidarsa Kochalumkal Vinod combined to claim silver in the team event.
India opened its medal account at the Aichi Prefectural General Shooting Gallery, with Elavenil Valarivan, Sonam Maskar and Vidarsa Vinod combining for a qualification aggregate of 1898.0 points to secure silver in the women’s 10m Air Rifle team event.
China claimed the gold medal with 1904.2 points, with Wang Zifei (636.8), Han Jiayu (633.8) and Du Yuchen (633.6) making up its gold-winning trio. Hosts Japan finished with the bronze medal after posting a combined score of 1897.1.
Sonam led the qualifying effort for India with an outstanding 634.1 to finish third, while Elavenil qualified in seventh place with 633.5. Vidarsa added a solid score of 630.4 to place 12th in the individual rankings and seal the team silver for India. 
A few hours later, Valarivan doubled down on India’s shooting metal tally as she clinched the silver medal in the women's 10m air rifle final continuing India's strong start in shooting at the continental event.

Valarivan finished second behind Japan's Hinata Taichi, who won the gold medal, while South Korea's Ban Hyojin secured the bronze medal.
Elavenil entered the final in impressive form and took the lead after the first series with a score of 53.1. Sonam Maskar, the other Indian shooter in the final, finished her opening series with 52.1 and was placed seventh.
After 10 shots, Elavenil remained on top with a score of 106.0, while Sonam registered 104.2 to sit in joint fifth place.
As the elimination rounds began, Elavenil continued her consistent performance with a 10.6 in her first shot. She followed it with a 10.3, while Sonam also produced strong shots, including a 10.6 and a 10.7. After 12 shots, Elavenil led the standings with 126.9, while Sonam was fourth with 125.5.
Elavenil maintained her dominance in the final stages, hitting 10.8 and 10.7 in her next two shots to extend her lead with a score of 148.4 after 14 shots. Sonam was fourth at that stage with 146.6.

In the next series, Elavenil scored 10.7 and 10.5 to remain at the top, while Sonam's 9.9 followed by 10.5, saw her finish sixth in the final.
Elavenil continued her excellent run with a 10.6 in her 17th shot and a 10.1 in her 18th to lead with 190.3 points. She remained ahead after 20 shots with a score of 211.1, with Japan's Hinata Taichi close behind at 210.8.
The Indian shooter was in medal contention after the 21st shot, where she scored 10.5, but Hinata and South Korea's Ban Hyojin kept the pressure on. After 22 shots, Elavenil moved to second place with a score of 231.9, behind Hinata's 232.2.
With the final shot, Elavenil scored 10.1, while Hinata finished with 10.2 to secure the gold medal. Elavenil settled for silver after a strong display in the final.
Following her Asian Games double silver medal win, Valarivan expressed happiness at getting a chance to make people close to her happy and dedicated her silver medals to her entire support staff for working tirelessly with her leading up to the continental showpiece. 

Speaking to ANI, she said about her medal win, "I think I am still letting it settle in; it is very fresh, of course. I did speak to my family; I spoke to my mentor, my coach, my psychologist, and I could see all happy faces over, and I am very grateful that I gave them the opportunity to be happy."
Elavenil, said that while she had participated in two Olympics and an Asian Games prior to this win, she was never in a position to win a medal. On her Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020, Elavenil finished 16th in individual 10 m air rifle action, while she finished 12th in the mixed team event. 
"I am very grateful that I have got the opportunity to play for my country today and win, win a medal for it," she added. 
Elavenil pointed out the tireless work of her support team leading up to the competition, making sure she was well-equipped in every aspect of her game and was at her best. 
"It is to the support team that I have, I have (the medal dedication), I mean, they have been tirelessly working with me for the past few months, making sure that, you know, I was equipped with each and every aspect of my sport and that I am at my best on the given day. So, I think this goes out to my coach, my psychologist, my nutritionist, my mentor, my SNC (strength and conditioning) and the entire team that has been tirelessly working with me. I think this is for them," added Elavenil. 
The shooter expressed faith in the Indian contingent, which has already booked two medals on the opening day, saying that they are going to do their absolute best. 

"I am very sure has prepared very well, and they are going to be the epitome of their training, and I wish them all the very, very best of luck," she signed off.
Also speaking to ANI after Elavenil's medal-winning performances, her father R. Valarivan said the silver medal was a proud moment for the entire family and highlighted the support she received throughout her journey.
"We are very happy, because it is her 12 years' hard work, which paid off. She participated in Olympics, but narrowly she missed an Olympic medal last year. And Asian Games, she got it this year. We are very happy," he said.
R Valarivan said Elavenil's next major goal is to win an Olympic medal.
"Her aim is to get a medal in the Olympics. So, next time definitely she will be getting that one. I seek your wishes and your blessings for her to get a medal in the Olympics," he said.

Elavenil's mother Saroja Valarivan said the family watched the final live and was proud of her performance despite missing out on the gold medal.
"Elavenil Valarivan won this morning. We were watching the match live. She was at the top, meaning there were high hopes of her getting a gold. At the final moment, she secured the silver, but winning silver for India and for Gujarat has made us very happy," she told ANI.
Meanwhile, Vidarsa Kochalumkal Vinod also expressed happiness at winning silver in the women's 10 m air rifle team event and dedicated her medal to her coach.
Speaking to ANI after the medal win, she said, "I am so happy and so grateful that we have this medal. We got the medal for India, for our country, so I am so proud."
"It took almost eight years to come here to compete at this level. The journey was very difficult; I had to make a lot of sacrifices, a lot of... I had to face a lot of failures. So the journey was very difficult for me, but I was not ready to give up. That is how I am here," she added. 
She dedicated her medal to her coach Manoj Kumar, calling him the "person behind her success". 

"I am dedicating my medal first to my coach, Manoj Kumar sir. He is the person behind my success. Second, to my parents, my family, my husband, and my brother. So I am dedicating it to them. And thirdly, to my sponsors: Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ), Sports Authority of India (SAI), National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), and everybody who was there for me," she said.
India’s double silver win also drew praise from the Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
President Murmu congratulated Valarivan, Vidarsa Vinod and Sonam Maskar for opening India's medal account at the Games and expressed her best wishes for their future success.
"Heartiest congratulations to Elavenil Valarivan, Vidarsa K Vinod and Sonam Uttam Maskar on winning Silver Medal in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Team event at the Asian Games 2026. Your commendable achievement has opened India’s medal account at the Games and brings immense pride to the nation. My best wishes for your continued success," read a post on the President's official handle on X.
Meanwhile, PM Modi congratulated the trio on winning silver in the team event, praising their hard work and teamwork and saying their success would inspire future athletes.

"Hardwork and teamwork lead to an outstanding result! Proud of Sonam Uttam Maskar, Elavenil Valarivan and Vidarsa K Vinod for winning the Silver Medal at the Asian Games 2026 in 10m Air Rifle Women’s event. Their success will inspire several athletes in the coming times: PM," PMO said in a post on X.  
Both President Murmu and PM Modi also congratulated Valarivan after her silver medal-winning performance in the women's 10m air rifle individual event.
With two silver medals on the opening day of the shooting competition, India made a strong start to its campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. The focus now shifts to the men’s 10m Air Rifle events on Monday, where the Indian contingent will look to add to its medal tally in both the individual and team competitions.  

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Daily Astro

20-09-2026

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Aries

Ganesha says it will be an important day for you, Aries. Your energy and confidence are ready to take you to new heights. Today you will be able to express your thoughts with clarity, which will increase your communication skills. New opportunities may arise in the working areas, which you have to be ready to take advantage of. In social life, you can make new meetings, which will prove beneficial for you in the future. This day will be good for solving family issues, and you will be able to establish better relations with your close ones. In the field of health, take care of your routine and resort to yoga or meditation to relieve mental stress. Controlling your expenses will be a smart move, as any sudden financial need may arise. Overall, this day is for you to stay positive, just use your insight and energy properly.

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Pisces

Ganesha says it is going to be a positive day for you. Your sensitivity and intuition will flourish today, allowing you to establish better connections between yourself and others. It is time to connect with someone or refresh old memories. Try to communicate with people close to you, as it will strengthen your relationships. In the field of work, your creativity will be cyclical today. If you are working on a project, your ideas will be new and full of innovation. Do not be afraid to share your ideas, it will give you positive feedback from your colleagues. In terms of financial condition, avoid any big investments. Small expenses will prove to be justified but think well before making any big decisions for the long term. In terms of health, focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise. For mental health, practicing meditation or yoga will help keep you stress-free.

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Aquarius

Ganesha says new opportunities are likely to open up for you. You will be in a position to take your creative abilities to new heights. This is the time to share your ideas and make new plans. Your friends and family will support your ideas, so it will be beneficial to take their advice into account. Positive changes are possible in business. This is the right time to work on an important project. You will get an opportunity to use your skills and knowledge properly. But, be careful; in some cases, you will need to control your emotions. In personal life, relationships will deepen. You will try to spend more time with your loved ones. This is a good time for love and companionship. Enjoy emotional moments that will make your relationships stronger. Be health conscious. Dedication to yoga and meditation will give you mental peace. These activities will keep not only your body but also your mind active. Overall, today will be full of possibilities for you. Stay committed to your dreams and work on them.

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Capricorn

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Sagittarius

Ganesha says today will be full of new possibilities and positive energy for you. You will feel a rise in your confidence, which will keep you open to new opportunities. This is the right time to make an important decision. Your spirituality and intuition will be strong, which will enable you to understand and face difficulties. Spending time with friends and family will awaken a sense of happiness and satisfaction in your mind. Relationships with colleagues at work can take a new direction. Cooperation and communication will help solve problems. If you face an obstacle or challenge, remember that you can overcome it. In terms of health, you may need to make a little improvement in your routine. Regular exercise and a balanced diet will give you freshness and energy. Strengthening social relationships and contacting new people will also be beneficial today. This is the time for self-growth and positive change for you, so recognize the energy within you and use it properly.

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Scorpio

Ganesha says today will be full of enthusiasm and energy. You will move towards achieving your goals, and your hard work will pay off. Social life will also be active; you will get a good chance to spend time with friends and family. In terms of health, take a little caution. Focusing on meditation and exercise will help reduce mental stress. This is also a good time to take up a new hobby, which can unleash your creativity. Take wise steps in terms of money. Make informed decisions while investing. For potential financial gains, take a look at past projects again. Your career is showing good signs of progress. Your ideas may be appreciated at the workplace, which will increase your confidence. Still, some issues may require restraint. Overall, today will prove to be positive and auspicious for you. Spend it with pride with your loved ones.

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Libra

Ganesha says today will be a very auspicious and positive day. You will get a chance to clarify your thoughts, which will bring stability to your personal and professional relationships. Your communication skills will increase, and this will open the doors of new possibilities for you. Your creativity and aesthetic sense will be especially strong today. If you are associated with any art or design, your work will be appreciated. This is the right time to express your feelings. If you are confused about a decision, trust your intuition; it will show you the right path. In terms of health, small changes can make your life better. Focus on regular exercise and a balanced diet. In love and relationships, a new understanding will develop, which will strengthen the mutual bond even more. Overall, this day is a sign of positive changes and new beginnings for you. Stay focused on your goals and recognize your inner strengths.

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Virgo

Ganesha says today is a suitable day to highlight your cognitive abilities and business skills. Today, you will be full of clarity and precision in your actions, which will increase your value among your colleagues and superiors. There is a possibility of bringing some changes to your routine, which will bring positive results for you. This is a good time to improve relations with family members. Try to resolve any old disputes, and keep communication open. In terms of health, meditation and yoga will bring mental peace. Also, take some time out of your routine for exercise. From a financial point of view, this is the right time to make a good plan for the right investment. Take a good look at the options available to you and make a wise decision. Overall, today will prove to be a day of new possibilities and positive changes for you. Be full of confidence and stay focused on your goals.

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Leo

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Cancer

Ganesha says it will be a day of information and communication for you. Your mind will be full of ideas and you will be able to express your ideas well. There is a possibility of some new opportunities in professional life, which can prove beneficial for you. It is a good time to strengthen relationships with your colleagues, so work together at the workplace. Your emotional state will also be strong. Time spent with family will give you satisfaction. If you have any old problem going on, then the right time is coming to solve it. However, you need to keep your emotions under control, so that you do not get agitated over small things. In terms of health, try to practice yoga and meditation. It will empower you both mentally and physically. Take informed decisions in financial matters; do not rush into any investments. In summary, this day will be all about communication and cooperation, which will lead to positive changes for you.

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Gemini

Ganesha says there will be a new energy and freshness in your thoughts, which will make your personality even more attractive. Social contacts are likely to increase, which will expand your network. You will be inspired to spend blissful time with your friends and family. Some positive changes can also be seen in the business sector. The results of your hard work will gradually start coming, and this will motivate you to move forward. Keep in mind that while sharing your ideology, work with empathy, this will strengthen your relationship with colleagues. It is important to be health conscious. A little attention and relaxation will give you mental freshness. Practicing yoga or meditation will be beneficial for you. This day will be full of positivity and new possibilities for you. Express your mind openly and do not hesitate to adopt new ideas.

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Taurus

Ganesha says it will prove to be a positive day for you, Taurus. You will feel energetic and full of confidence. The time has come to reap the fruits of your hard work and efforts. The workload may stress you for a while, but you will face all the challenges recognizing your strengths. Sweetness will also remain in your relationships. Spending time with your family and friends will be a source of joy for you. Conversation with someone special can give you a new vision and promote mutual understanding. A special occasion may be organized among friends or family, which will bring happiness and harmony to you. Moments spent with loved ones will give you mental peace. It is important to be health conscious. A little exercise or yoga will give peace to your mind and energy to your body. Your day will be full of happiness and positivity, just keep your thoughts and emotions balanced.

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20-09-2026