Asian Games 2026: India takes aim at a medal record in Aichi-Nagoya

India’s Asian Games journey is often measured in gold, silver and bronze. Yet, behind every medal lies a story of patience, precision and pressure — the stillness of a shooter before pulling the trigger, the controlled intensity of a boxer inside the ring and the unwavering focus of an archer waiting for the perfect release. As the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games draw closer, shooting, boxing and archery once again feature prominently in India’s medal ambitions.

From early breakthrough to medal powerhouse

India’s shooting legacy at the Asian Games dates back to Tehran in 1974, when Maharaja Karni Singh won silver in the clay pigeon trap to secure the country’s first medal in the sport. Over the decades, shooters such as the late Jaspal Rana, whose pistol performances dominated multiple editions, and Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra helped strengthen India’s reputation in international marksmanship.

Hangzhou marked a historic high

The biggest statement came at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, where Indian shooters produced a record haul of 22 medals — seven gold, nine silver and six bronze — across rifle, pistol and shotgun events.


The campaign showcased not just individual brilliance but the growing depth of India’s shooting programme. Divyansh Singh Panwar, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar and Rudrankksh Patil combined to win the men’s 10m air rifle team gold with a world-record score, while Sift Kaur Samra and Palak Gulia also secured individual gold medals.

Manu Bhaker leads the charge

For Aichi-Nagoya, India will field a 30-member shooting squad, evenly split between men and women, with double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker among the biggest names in the contingent.

The pistol section also features Esha Singh and veteran Rahi Sarnobat, while the rifle challenge includes Rudrankksh Patil and Elavenil Valarivan. Kynan Chenai will spearhead India’s shotgun campaign as the team looks to build on its record-breaking performance in Hangzhou.

A stronger bench, but no room for complacency

India’s goal in Aichi-Nagoya is not merely to replicate the Hangzhou medal tally but to demonstrate that its shooting programme has developed the depth to remain a consistent force at the continental level.

However, the squad also highlights how fiercely competitive selection has become. Hangzhou gold medallists Sift Kaur Samra, Swapnil Kusale and Sarabjot Singh are among the notable absentees.