Elavenil Valarivan wins double silver at Asian Games 2026, hails India's sporting rise
Synopsis
Elavenil Valarivan didn't just win two silvers at Nagoya — she entered the individual 10m air rifle final with a 0.3-point lead and came agonisingly close to gold before Japan's Hinata Taichi set an Asian Games record of 253.0. Her post-match message: India is 'miles away' from its IPTO target, but the government schemes are working.
Key Takeaways
Elavenil Valarivan won double silver — in the women's 10m air rifle individual and team events — at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on 20 September 2026 .
She finished the individual final with a score of 252.4 , behind Japan's Hinata Taichi who set an Asian Games record of 253.0 .
Elavenil entered the final two shots with a 0.3-point lead but was unable to hold it as Taichi produced a strong finish.
She credited central and state government schemes for helping athletes grow 'mentally and physically' and said India is 'rightly towards being called a sporting nation.' Elavenil is still scheduled to compete in at least one more event at the Games.
Shooter Elavenil Valarivan claimed a historic double silver at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on 20 September, finishing second in both the women's 10m air rifle individual and team events — and used the moment to champion India's growing identity as a sporting nation.
The Double Silver in Detail
Elavenil first helped India secure silver in the team event before heading back to the range for the individual final. She remained in contention for much of the contest, entering the final two shots with a 0.3-point lead over her rivals. However, Japan's Hinata Taichi produced a commanding finish to win gold with an Asian Games record score of 253.0, leaving Elavenil to settle for silver with 252.4.
'I think it was more about the excitement part where you know the medals were there, the podium was there. And I kind of got a little sidetracked from my technique, and by the time I came back to the technique, it was a little too far,' Elavenil reflected. She added that refocusing on process and technique is the key lesson she takes away from the final stages.
India's Sporting Growth: Elavenil's View
Speaking after her double podium finish, Elavenil credited both the central and state governments for nurturing athletes. 'I think I am very thankful to the entire government, to the state government, for implementing such schemes that help the athletes grow not only mentally but physically as well,' she said. The shooter went further, asserting that India is now on the doorstep of international sporting recognition. 'We definitely can say that India is rightly towards being called a sporting nation. And we are just miles away from achieving our IPTO,' she added.
The comment reflects a broader sentiment within Indian shooting circles, where government-backed training programmes and infrastructure investment have increasingly produced competitive results on the world stage.
Japan's Special Place in Her Career
Elavenil noted that Japan carries particular significance in her sporting journey — it was the venue of her first Olympics and is now the host of her second Asian Games. 'Japan has always been special. I had my first Olympics here. I am having my second Asian Games here. So very grateful for the opportunity that I have got,' she said.
The shooter also revealed that celebrations were already in full swing back home, with her family — brother, father, and mother — all overjoyed at her achievement. Despite missing the festivities, she noted that another event remains on her schedule and she intends to give it her best.
What's Next for Elavenil
After the gruelling back-to-back events, Elavenil expressed a desire for a brief respite. 'I think for me I really need a two-day break where I can just sleep in, eat all that I want and just get to spend some time with my family and coaches,' she said. She is still scheduled to compete in at least one more event at the Games. India's shooting contingent will be watching closely as she bids to add to her medal tally.
Point of View
But converting strong positions into gold under final-stage pressure remains the unresolved frontier. Her 0.3-point lead evaporating in the last two shots is not a failure of preparation — it is a focus-management challenge that separates good performers from champions. The IPTO target she references is a meaningful benchmark, but India's medal-to-gold ratio in shooting at multi-sport games tells the fuller story. More gold, not just more silver, is the next frontier.
NationPress
20 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Elavenil Valarivan win at the Asian Games 2026?
Elavenil Valarivan won two silver medals at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on 20 September 2026 — one in the women's 10m air rifle team event and one in the individual final. She finished with a score of 252.4, behind Japan's Hinata Taichi who set an Asian Games record of 253.0.
Why did Elavenil lose her lead in the individual final?
Elavenil entered the final two shots of the individual event with a 0.3-point advantage but could not hold on as Japan's Hinata Taichi finished strongly. She attributed the slip to momentary excitement about the medals, which briefly pulled her away from her technique before she could refocus.
What did Elavenil say about India becoming a sporting nation?
Elavenil credited government and state government schemes for helping athletes grow both mentally and physically. She said India is 'rightly towards being called a sporting nation' and that the country is 'miles away' from achieving its IPTO target, suggesting significant but not yet complete progress.
Why is Japan special for Elavenil Valarivan?
Japan is where Elavenil competed at her first Olympics, and the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games mark her second major multi-sport event in the country. She described Japan as 'always special' and expressed gratitude for the opportunities the country has given her career.
What is next for Elavenil at the Asian Games?
Elavenil is scheduled to compete in at least one more event at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and has said she wants to 'give her absolute best.' She has also expressed a desire for a short two-day break with family and coaches before returning to competition.
