Esha Singh Leads India’s Shooting Challenge as Asian Games Medal Events Continue

NEW DELHI, Sept 29: India’s shooting contingent continued its medal campaign at the 2026 Asian Games, with Esha Singh’s silver medal in the women’s 25m pistol providing one of the latest highlights for the country at the Aichi-Nagoya Games.

Singh produced a determined performance in the final on September 28 after entering the medal round in eighth position during qualification. She finished the qualifying stage with 580 points and 22 inner tens before fighting her way through a tightly contested final.

The Indian shooter remained in contention through several stages of the competition and eventually secured the silver medal. China’s Xiao Jiaruixuan won gold after prevailing over Singh in the decisive shoot-off.

The result added another medal to India’s shooting campaign and demonstrated Singh’s ability to recover from a relatively modest qualifying position.

Shooting has become one of India’s major medal-producing disciplines at multi-sport competitions. The sport combines technical precision with the ability to remain composed during high-pressure final rounds, where small differences can determine the medal positions.

Singh’s performance in the 25m pistol event was particularly demanding because the final involved several eliminations and shoot-offs. Competitors had to maintain concentration while adjusting to the changing positions throughout the contest.

Her silver medal also added to an international record that includes performances at major continental and global competitions.

The Asian Games provide an important opportunity for India’s shooters to compete against some of the strongest athletes in Asia. China, South Korea, Japan and other nations have established shooting programmes, making the competition particularly demanding.

India has entered the Aichi-Nagoya Games with a sizeable shooting contingent across rifle, pistol and shotgun events. Different disciplines require distinct technical approaches, ranging from rapid target acquisition to controlled precision shooting.

The competition also gives younger shooters the opportunity to gain experience alongside established international competitors. Success at a continental event can provide valuable confidence ahead of world championships and Olympic qualification competitions.

For Singh, the silver medal represents another significant result in a season in which she has continued to compete at the highest level.

The Indian shooting campaign has also unfolded alongside medal efforts in other sports. Boxing, athletics, cricket and several other disciplines have contributed to the country’s overall performance at the Games.

Weather has affected portions of the wider Asian Games programme, particularly outdoor competitions. Shooting events, however, have continued according to the scheduled programme as organisers manage the broader Games calendar.

The remaining shooting events will offer additional opportunities for India to strengthen its medal tally. Competitors will be looking to qualify for finals and convert strong qualification scores into podium finishes.

The sport’s scoring system leaves little room for mistakes. A single missed shot or a small drop in concentration can significantly change the standings, particularly during the final stages.

Indian shooters will therefore need to combine technical consistency with mental discipline as they progress through the remaining events.

The Aichi-Nagoya Games have also provided an important test of the depth available within India’s shooting programme. With multiple athletes competing in different categories, the results will offer a broader picture of the country’s strength across the discipline.

Singh’s silver has already provided a notable result, but India’s campaign is not yet complete. Further competitions in rifle, pistol and shotgun events could bring additional medal opportunities before the Games conclude.

The focus will now shift to the remaining qualification rounds and finals, with Indian shooters seeking to maintain their presence among the leading competitors in the continental championship.

As the Asian Games move towards their final days, shooting remains one of the disciplines capable of making a substantial contribution to India’s overall medal haul.