The moment Indian sports fans were eagerly waiting for has arrived. India has clinched its first shooting gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.
The powerhouse duo of Suruchi Singh and Kamaljeet secured the top spot on the podium in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event, marking India's second gold medal of the ongoing games.
The Historic Victory
On Friday, September 25, the Indian pair did not just win; they dominated. Suruchi and Kamaljeet shot their way to glory with an exceptional score of 484.6, setting a brand-new Asian record in the process.
This spectacular performance solidifies India's position as a global shooting powerhouse and highlights the incredible depth of talent emerging from Haryana, the home state of both athletes.
Who Are India's Golden Duo?
Both shooters have overcome unique challenges to reach the absolute pinnacle of Asian sports.
Suruchi Singh: The Prodigy from Jhajjar
- Background: Born on April 28, 2006, the 20-year-old hails from Jhajjar, Haryana.
- The Turnaround: Coming from a family with a strong sporting lineage, she was initially encouraged to pursue wrestling. However, she chose the shooting range at age 13, training at the Guru Dronacharya Shooting Academy.
- Track Record: Suruchi burst onto the senior international circuit in 2025, winning three consecutive ISSF World Cup gold medals (Buenos Aires, Lima, and Munich). She also holds a Junior World Record score of 245.1 set in Doha.
Kamaljeet: The Resilient Fighter from Rewari
- Background: Born on August 22, 2003, Kamaljeet belongs to Sulkha village in Rewari, Haryana.
- The Turnaround: Kamaljeet was originally a track-and-field athlete. A career-threatening injury forced him to abandon athletics and switch to shooting in 2019.
- Overcoming Hurdles: Coming from a middle-class family, he faced severe financial constraints covering equipment and coaching fees, nearly quitting the sport. Backed by his parents, he persisted to win individual and team gold medals at the 2023 ISSF Junior World Championships.
Why This Win Matters
This victory represents more than just a medal. By breaking the Asian record on one of the grandest stages in sports, Suruchi and Kamaljeet have signaled the arrival of India's next generation of elite marksmen. Their transition from overcoming personal setbacks to setting continental records serves as a massive boost for the entire Indian contingent at Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
