Elavenil Valarivan wins silver in 10m air rifle final at Asian Games 2026
Synopsis
Elavenil Valarivan came agonisingly close to gold in the women's 10m air rifle final at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, finishing just 0.6 points behind Japan's Hinata Taichi, who set a new Asian Games record of 253.0. Having already won team silver earlier in the day, Elavenil's double-silver haul made her India's standout shooter at these Games.
Key Takeaways
Elavenil Valarivan won silver in the women's 10m air rifle individual final at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on 20 September .
She finished on 252.4 , just 0.6 points behind gold medallist Hinata Taichi of Japan, who set an Asian Games record of 253.0 .
Elavenil had earlier helped India win team silver in the same event, securing two silvers in just over an hour.
Fellow Indian Sonam Uttam Maskar , also part of the team silver combination, finished sixth in the individual final.
The result added to India's shooting medal tally at Aichi-Nagoya 2026 .
Elavenil Valarivan claimed an individual silver medal in the women's 10m air rifle event at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on 20 September, finishing a narrow second in a gripping final at the Aichi Pref. General Shooting Gallery in Nagoya. The result added a second silver to her personal tally on the day, having earlier contributed to India's team silver in the same discipline.
How the Final Unfolded
Elavenil was dominant through the opening stages of the final, posting 53.1 after her first five shots and building a lead that she maintained deep into the elimination rounds. Her consistent scoring kept a tightly packed field at bay, with fellow Indian Sonam Uttam Maskar — also part of the team silver-winning combination — remaining in medal contention before eventually finishing sixth.
The contest for gold came down to the final two shots. Elavenil entered the closing stages holding a slender 0.3-point advantage over Japan's Hinata Taichi. She responded with a 10.4, but Taichi answered with a 10.6, narrowing the gap to its thinnest margin.
Japan's Record-Breaking Finish
With one shot left, Elavenil posted a 10.1, but it was not enough. Taichi delivered a 10.2 under intense pressure to finish on an Asian Games record score of 253.0, claiming gold for Japan. Elavenil concluded her final on 252.4, earning silver in a finish that separated the two shooters by just 0.6 points.
A Standout Day for Indian Shooting
The individual silver capped a remarkable afternoon for Elavenil in Nagoya. Within the span of just over an hour, she secured two podium finishes — first as part of the team event, then in the individual final. Her performances made her one of India's most prominent contributors in the shooting competition at these Games.
What It Means for India's Medal Tally
The back-to-back silvers by Elavenil bolstered India's overall medal count at Aichi-Nagoya 2026. Shooting has historically been a reliable source of medals for India at the Asian Games, and this performance reinforces that standing. India's shooting contingent will look to build on this momentum in the remaining events of the Games.
Point of View
Just 0.6 points, was decided by two final shots where Taichi outscored her on both. What stands out is the consistency: Elavenil led for the bulk of the final, demonstrating the kind of sustained elite-level shooting that wins medals but not always the top spot. For Indian shooting to convert these silvers into golds, the finishing-pressure element — those last two decisive shots — will need to be the focus of future training cycles.
NationPress
20 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What medal did Elavenil Valarivan win at the Asian Games 2026?
Elavenil Valarivan won a silver medal in the women's 10m air rifle individual final at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on 20 September. She finished on 252.4, just 0.6 points behind Japan's Hinata Taichi, who claimed gold with an Asian Games record score of 253.0.
Who won the gold medal in the women's 10m air rifle at Asian Games 2026?
Japan's Hinata Taichi won the gold medal with a score of 253.0, setting a new Asian Games record in the process. She overcame a 0.3-point deficit in the final two shots to edge out Elavenil Valarivan.
How many medals did Elavenil Valarivan win on 20 September at the Asian Games?
Elavenil Valarivan won two silver medals on 20 September — one as part of India's team silver in the women's 10m air rifle team event and another in the individual final, both achieved within just over an hour at the Aichi Pref. General Shooting Gallery.
How did India's other shooter Sonam Uttam Maskar perform in the individual final?
Sonam Uttam Maskar, who had been part of the team silver-winning combination alongside Elavenil, finished sixth in the women's 10m air rifle individual final. She remained in medal contention through parts of the final but could not secure a podium finish.
Where was the 10m air rifle final held at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games?
The women's 10m air rifle individual final was held at the Aichi Pref. General Shooting Gallery in Nagoya, Japan, on 20 September 2026.
