Rudranksh Patil and Arjun Babuta Seal a 1–2 Finish as India Dominates Men’s 10m Air Rifle at Asian Shooting Championships

India produced a commanding display in the men’s 10m air rifle at the Asian Shooting Championships 2026, locking out gold and silver in the individual final and adding team gold to underline its supremacy at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi.

Rudranksh Balasaheb Patil led the charge with a spectacular performance, clinching gold with a score of 251.9 in a high-quality final. Close behind him was Arjun Babuta, who secured silver with 250.7, completing a memorable one-two finish for the host nation. Vishal Singh added further depth to India’s showing by finishing fifth in a competitive field.

Rudranksh in Command

Rudranksh set the tone early in qualification, topping the standings with an impressive 632.1. The standout moment came in his final series, where he shot a remarkable 107.1 to surge ahead of the field. His rhythm, control, and consistency throughout qualification reflected the form that has made him one of India’s most reliable rifle shooters in recent seasons.

In the eight-man final, Rudranksh transitioned seamlessly from qualification form to elimination precision. As the field narrowed and pressure intensified, he steadily climbed into the top two. Japan’s Naoya Okada, who eventually claimed bronze, briefly threatened to disrupt the Indian dominance, but once Rudranksh established his lead after the midway eliminations, he did not relinquish it.

The 251.9 total highlighted not just technical precision but composure under pressure. With decimal scoring separating medals by tenths, Rudranksh’s ability to maintain a high average through the closing shots proved decisive.

Babuta Close Behind

Arjun Babuta, sixth in qualification with 628.0, delivered a mature and composed final to claim silver. Trailing Rudranksh by just 1.2 points at the end, Babuta stayed within striking distance throughout the elimination stages. His shot execution remained steady, particularly during the middle phase when several competitors faltered. Babuta’s silver adds to his growing reputation as a consistent performer in major championships. While he did not quite close the gap on his compatriot in the final two series, his 250.7 underlined India’s depth in the rifle discipline.

Vishal Singh qualified tenth with 624.6 but made the final cut due to the presence of Ranking Points Only (RPO) shooters in the top eight. In the final, he battled strongly before exiting in fifth place with 185.5 points. Although off the podium, Vishal’s performance demonstrated resilience and competitive grit. Competing in a final of this calibre provides valuable exposure and reinforces India’s bench strength in the event.

The trio of Rudranksh, Babuta, and Vishal combined their qualification totals to clinch team gold for India. Their collective performance comfortably outpaced rival nations, reinforcing India’s dominance in rifle shooting at this championship. Rudranksh’s 632.1, Babuta’s 628.0, and Vishal’s 624.6 created a commanding aggregate that secured the top team position. The result reflects structured preparation and depth across India’s rifle squad, particularly in home conditions.

India’s depth was further evident in the performances of Kiran Ankush Jadhav and Hanuwant Singh, both competing under RPO status. Kiran shot an impressive 628.9 to finish fourth in qualification, while Hanuwant posted 627.5 to place eighth.

Though ineligible for the final due to RPO designation, both shooters demonstrated form that would have comfortably placed them in medal contention under regular entry status. Their performances highlight the competitive internal standards within the Indian rifle setup.

Junior Success Adds to Momentum

Beyond the senior men’s rifle event, India also tasted success in the junior 10m air pistol mixed team competition. The pairing of Vanshika Chaudhary and Mukesh Nelavalli delivered gold with a score of 481.1, setting a new junior world record in the process.

Under championship rules permitting only one team per National Olympic Committee to contest the medal round, this duo represented India despite another Indian pair finishing second in qualification. Their world record effort further strengthened India’s overall medal tally.

The double podium in men’s 10m air rifle sends a strong signal ahead of future international assignments. Achieving a 1–2 finish at a continental championship reflects not only individual excellence but a robust competitive structure within the national program.

Rudranksh’s clinical gold, Babuta’s close silver, and the team triumph collectively underscore India’s sustained strength in rifle shooting. With depth evident across both senior and junior categories, the performance at New Delhi reinforces India’s position as one of Asia’s premier shooting nations.

As the championship progresses, India’s rifle squad has set a high benchmark one defined by precision, composure, and collective dominance on home soil.