Indian Women's Skeet Team Secures Historic Bronze at Asian Games 2026

India's women's skeet team, comprising Parinaaz Dhaliwal, Maheshwari Chauhan, and Raiza Dhillon, clinched a historic bronze medal at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, marking the nation's first-ever podium finish in this event. The trio collectively scored 331 points, navigating tough conditions to secure third place behind shooting powerhouses China and Kazakhstan. This landmark achievement adds significantly to India's growing medal tally and highlights a promising trajectory for Indian shotgun shooting. The bronze win is a testament to the team's resilience, especially considering the challenging conditions at the range, as noted by Maheshwari Chauhan. While the team expressed satisfaction with the medal, they also conveyed a desire for a 'different color,' reflecting their ambitious spirit and the increasing competitiveness of Indian shooters on the international stage. This success also comes amid a strong overall performance from India's shooting contingent, which has consistently contributed to the nation's medal haul at the Games. Separately, both Parinaaz Dhaliwal and Raiza Dhillon advanced to the individual skeet finals, though they narrowly missed out on additional medals, finishing eighth and fourth respectively. Looking ahead, the momentum from this historic bronze is expected to fuel further growth and support for shotgun shooting in India, with athletes acknowledging the crucial role of institutions like the Sports Authority of India. The ongoing Asian Games 2026 still hold promise for more medals from the robust Indian contingent in various disciplines. The team's performance serves as a powerful motivator for younger generations aspiring to excel in shooting sports, setting a new benchmark for excellence in women's skeet.