New Delhi, September 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former Olympic medallist and Elavenil Valarivan’s mentor Gagan Narang video-called the Indian shooter after her double-silver performance at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, urging her to quickly reset and turn her attention to the mixed-team event.
Elavenil enjoyed a memorable Sunday at the Games, helping India secure silver in the women’s 10m air rifle team event before adding another silver in the individual competition at the Aichi Pref. General Shooting Gallery.
Narang, who has guided Elavenil’s development through his academy, shared a video of their conversation on social media and advised her to recover well, remain focused and keep her approach simple ahead of her next competition.
“Two medals at the Asian Games! Congratulations, Elavenil, on a fantastic performance. Two medals are a reflection not just of what happens on competition day, but of the years of discipline, patience, hard work and countless hours behind the firing line,” Narang wrote on Instagram.
Narang, who won two silver medals at the 2010 Asian Games, said their conversation was focused on what lies ahead rather than dwelling on the medals already secured.
“It was good to catch up after the event, celebrate what has been achieved and then quickly turn our attention to what comes next, the Mixed Team event,” he wrote.
Elavenil said Narang called her while she was heading for her dope test and shared specific observations from her individual final.
“Gagan sir video called me. I was just going for my dope, and I took a few minutes off, and I was talking to Sir. He did have some really good insights about my finals, and I am glad that he had that noted down and he could give that to me and I could work on it,” she said during a media interaction.
She added that it was a “very, very happy call” and expressed gratitude for learning from Narang.
The former shooter advised Elavenil to prioritise recovery, hydration, proper nutrition and sleep while continuing to trust the technique and routine that had taken her to the Asian Games.
“Stay in your own bubble and take the next match one shot at a time,” Narang wrote.
He also cautioned her against overanalysing previous performances, chasing scores or medals, and making sudden changes to her technique or equipment.
“Don’t get caught up in expectations, social media or what others are shooting,” he added.
With two silver medals already secured, Elavenil will now compete in the mixed-team 10m air rifle event, with pre-event training scheduled ahead of the competition.
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