Valarivan and Mane Narrowly Miss Medal in 10m Air Rifle at Asian Games
In a gripping display at the Asian Games 2026, Indian shooting duo Elavenil Valarivan and Parth Mane found themselves just shy of the podium in the 10m air rifle mixed team event. Finishing fourth, their performance was a testament to both skill and perseverance, even as they fell tantalisingly short of a medal.
The competition, held in Aichi-Nagoya, saw the Indian pair score a commendable 376.3 points. Despite their efforts, they were bested by formidable opponents, with China's team claiming the top spot with a world-record score of 1899.0. The narrow margins in this tightly contested event highlight the razor-thin lines that often separate triumph from disappointment in the world of competitive shooting.
Valarivan, who had already made a mark by securing two silver medals earlier in the Games, was visibly determined to add to her tally. Her partnership with Mane brought them close to achieving this, but the duo were ultimately edged out in the final stages. Mane, who shot 628.3 in qualification, showed promise but narrowly missed out on reaching the individual final.
India's Shooting Ambitions
This result, while disappointing, serves as a reminder of India's growing prowess in shooting sports. The nation's shooters have consistently pushed boundaries, a trend that Valarivan and Mane exemplify. Their performance in Aichi-Nagoya underscores India's potential to challenge the best in the world, even if the medals eluded them this time.
As the Games continue, India's contingent remains hopeful. The skeet shooters are still in the running, with qualifications ongoing. The focus now shifts to these events, where expectations are high for more podium finishes.
While Valarivan and Mane may have missed out on a medal this time, their efforts have not gone unnoticed. They return home with valuable experience and the knowledge that they were within a hair's breadth of success. Such performances lay the groundwork for future victories and inspire the next generation of Indian shooters to aim high.
