Aichi, September 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India’s women’s rifle team began its Asian Games shooting campaign with a silver medal in the women’s 10m air rifle team event on Sunday, with coach Pooja Ghatkar revealing how simulation training was used to prepare the shooters for the pressure of major finals.
Elavenil Valarivan, Sonam Maskar and Vidarsa Kochalumkal combined for 1897 points at the Aichi Pref. General Shooting Gallery to secure the silver medal. Elavenil and Sonam also advanced to the individual final.
Ghatkar said the Indian rifle contingent had undergone specially designed simulation sessions ahead of the Aichi-Nagoya Games to recreate the atmosphere and pressure of a shooting final.
“Satisfied, not happy much because as the training was going on, we were expecting a very good performance. They performed well, but we expected more. But happy with the silver, we have Elavenil and Sonam in the individual finals; hope for more medals,” she said.
She explained that the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) had organised two camps in Bhopal, where the team created an environment similar to a major final.
“So, basically we had two camps in Bhopal. So, that was very well planned by NRAF. And we had almost created an atmosphere like finals training. We had an audience, a live audience. We had students shouting and screaming during the finals,” Ghatkar said.
“So, we had music playing around and all. So, they had a good practice for finals. And we are hoping that this will help them here to perform in the finals, both air rifle men and air rifle women,” she added.
Shooting has traditionally been a strong sport for India at the Asian Games, with the country winning 22 medals at the 2023 Hangzhou Games, the highest medal tally for India in a single sport at those Games.
Elavenil brings considerable international experience to the Indian team. The Olympian is a two-time ISSF World Cup gold medallist, having won the top prize in the 2019 and 2023 editions.
Ghatkar also backed Sonam, highlighting her consistency and experience in international competitions.
“Elavenil, as everyone knows, she is very experienced; she is an Olympian. Sonam has been shooting since juniors. So, she has shot many internationals in juniors,” she said.
“And right now she is performing very well. She is consistent with 633, 634. Plus, she has been in two finals: the Spain World Cup, Hongzhou World Cup,” Ghatkar added.
Sonam is also a triple silver medallist at the ISSF World Cup Final, with her titles coming in 2024.
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