Kamaljeet and Suruchi secured India’s first shooting gold at Asian Games 2026 with a record 484.6 in the 10m air pistol mixed team final.
From setbacks to historic triumph
Both Kamaljeet and Suruchi had exited their individual 10m air pistol events earlier in the Games. A subsequent reshuffle brought them together for the mixed team competition, where they posted 484.6 to win gold and set a new Asian record. They led from the opening series and maintained their advantage over South Korea, turning a difficult start to the week into a standout success.
Strategic gamble pays off
The National Rifle Association of India and Sports Authority of India approved replacing Kedarling Uchaganve with Kamaljeet after Kedarling’s form dipped. This adjustment, made just before the competition, produced immediate results as the new pair combined to secure India’s first shooting gold of the Games and break the previous Asian record of 481.3.
Personal journeys and resilience
Kamaljeet began shooting in 2019 after an athletics setback and progressed to win junior world gold in 50m pistol before adapting to 10m air pistol. Suruchi, world No. 1 in 2025 with multiple international medals, rebounded in Nagoya after missing the individual final. Both credited their coaches and families for support, and their shared background from Haryana fostered strong on-range understanding.
Implications for Indian shooting
The pair not only won gold but also broke the Asian Games qualification record with 587 points before the final, equalling the overall Asian record. These results underline India’s strength in team pistol events and the impact of effective mental preparation. Such performances can enhance medal prospects in upcoming continental and Olympic competitions.
