Asian Games 2026: India brings its first ever Gold in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team Event so far in the Asian Games

At the Asian Games on Friday, Indian shooters Suruchi Singh and Kamaljeet won the first ever gold medal in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event, giving India their second gold so far.

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On Friday, Suruchi Singh and Kamaljeet won the 10m air pistol mixed team event, giving India their first ever gold medal in shooting and second gold so far at the Asian Games 2026. In the final at the Aichi Prefectural General Shooting Gallery, the Indian pair shot an Asian record 484.6 to defeat the Republic of Korea, who came in second with 478.0. Iran's Islamic Republic won bronze with a score of 415.8.

In the 10m air pistol mixed team competition, it was India's first Asian Games gold medal, surpassing the silver that Sarabjot Singh and Divya TS had won in Hangzhou in 2023.

“It’s wonderful that India’s first gold medal in shooting has come from me; we were so determined to win the gold. There have been so many silvers and bronze, but we weren’t getting gold. I was wondering why? Then I thought, ‘it’s waiting for me, I will have to bring the gold’. And I have!” said Suruchi.

India took the lead right away, scoring 103.0 in their first sequence. They maintained their lead throughout the next series, scoring 202.4 and then 303.5 to firmly establish themselves at the top. Pressure increased for the lower rank teams in the first series of stage 2, India posted 364.7, shutting down any opportunity for South Korea or Iran to make a comeback. India increased their lead with a huge score of 424.9 by the 18th shot. To wrap up the gold medal the Indian pair shot an Asian record 484.6 to defeat the Republic of Korea, who came in second with 478.0. Iran's Islamic Republic won bronze with a score of 415.8.

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) made a late tactical change that contributed to the victory. Kedarling Balakrishna Uchaganve was originally supposed to be Suruchi's partner. However, Kamaljeet was substituted by the team management after the individual qualification rounds.

Kamaljeet, who finished ninth with a solid score of 580, just missed the solo final. Kedarling had a difficult time, placing 35th with a score of 568. Because Kamaljeet and Suruchi, who each placed 26th, were eager to make a statement for their individual campaigns, this replacement produced a very hungry pair for a medal.

FAQs:

Q: Why is this gold medal historic for Indian Shooting?

A: On Friday, Suruchi Singh and Kamaljeet won the first ever Asian Games gold medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event for India.

Q: What was the last minute tactical decision led Indian pair to the gold?

A: The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) made a late tactical change that contributed to the victory. Kedarling Balakrishna Uchaganve was originally supposed to be Suruchi's partner. However, Kamaljeet was substituted by the team management after the individual qualification rounds.

Q: How did they perform in their individual events before the mixed team final?
A: Kamaljeet, who finished ninth with a solid score of 580, just missed the solo final and Suruchi placed 26^th.

Q: How many gold medals does India have at Asian Games 2026 so far?

A: This victory marked India's second gold medal of the Asian Games2026 so far. The first gold was secured by the Indian Women's Cricket Team.

Q: Who are at the top of medal tally of Asian Games 2026 so far?

A: China is at the top having 97 gold medals out of 157 of medals and Japan at second securing 27 gold medals.