India’s golden run at the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026 continued in emphatic fashion at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range, with Olympian and World Championship silver medallist Anish Bhanwala clinching bronze in the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol (RFP) even as the hosts consolidated their position at the top of the medal table.
The 23-year-old Haryana shooter finished with 23 hits in a high-quality final conducted under the newly introduced format. Japan’s two-time Olympian Yoshioka Dai produced a stunning performance, striking 31 hits to set a new world and Asian record, while Kazakhstan’s Nikita Chiryukin secured silver with 28.
Anish Battles Through a Tough Day
Bhanwala’s campaign was anything but straightforward. He shot identical scores of 287 in both stages of qualification to total 574, finishing sixth and just making the final.
“I underperformed in qualification,” Anish admitted later. “I respect the medal because I made the podium, but I am not very happy with myself.”
The final, however, saw him rediscover rhythm. After a modest start of three hits in the opening series, he bounced back with a perfect five, followed by four more, climbing into contention. At the 30-shot mark, he was locked at 21 hits alongside Yoshioka and Chiryukin, setting up a dramatic finish.
But a costly seventh series- where he managed only two hits- ended his gold hopes. Yoshioka was flawless with five, while Chiryukin struck four. Anish settled for bronze, matching his medal colour from the Changwon Asian Championships three years ago.
The new format, which now features eight shooters on two bases instead of six on three, has added a layer of psychological complexity. “It’s a bit confusing because everybody is not used to it. But with time, it will get okay,” he said.
Despite the mixed emotions, the medal marked Bhanwala’s third Asian Championship podium finish and reinforced his consistency at the continental level ahead of a packed season that includes national trials, the Asian Games and the World Championships.
India’s strength in depth was evident as the junior shooters once again stepped up with commanding performances.
Adriyan Karmakar struck gold in the junior men’s 50m rifle prone event with an impressive 621.7 over 60 shots, outclassing a strong Kazakh challenge. Though Kazakhstan edged India in the team standings of that event, the individual gold underscored India’s emerging rifle talent.
In the junior men’s 25m RFP, Suraj Sharma shot 23 hits in the final to claim silver, while Mukesh Nelavalli added bronze with 19. The pair, along with Sahil Choudhary, combined for a total of 1729 in qualification to secure team gold comfortably ahead of Kazakhstan.
Indonesia’s Muhamad Fawwaz Aditia Farrel won the junior title with a world-record score of 29 in the final, highlighting the rising standard of competition across Asia.
The women’s events further swelled India’s medal count. Prachi Gaikwad delivered a composed performance to win gold in the junior women’s 50m rifle three-position final with 353.3 points. She later teamed up with Anushka Thokur and Hazel to capture team gold with a combined score of 1748.
In the senior women’s 50m rifle three-position, Aakriti Dahiya clinched silver while seasoned campaigner Anjum Moudgil secured bronze. The Indian trio also earned team silver, finishing just behind Kazakhstan.
India Firmly on Top at Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship
With seven days of competition completed, India’s medal tally stands at:
- 39 Gold
- 15 Silver
- 12 Bronze
- Total: 66 Medals
The numbers reflect not just dominance but dept- across junior and senior categories, rifle and pistol disciplines alike.
While Kazakhstan mounted strong resistance, particularly in rifle events, India’s consistency has ensured a commanding lead with two days of competition still remaining.
For Anish Bhanwala and the rest of the Indian contingent, the championship has been both a celebration of current success and a stepping stone toward bigger goals later this year. And if the performances in New Delhi are any indication, Indian shooting’s future remains firmly on target.
