A Record-Breaking Performance
The Indian duo were in a class of their own at the Aichi Prefectural Shooting Range, finishing the final with a score of 484.6. This commanding performance not only clinched the gold but also set a new Asian record, shattering the previous mark of 481.3.
Kamaljeet and Suruchi established an early lead and never relinquished it, holding off a persistent challenge from South Korea's Hong Suhyeon and Choo Gaeun, who finished with the silver medal on 478.0 points. The bronze went to Iran, who scored 415.8. The Indian pair had already signaled their intent by topping the qualification round with a record-breaking score of 587, setting the stage for their golden finish.
Meet the Golden Pair from Haryana
Both Kamaljeet and Suruchi Inder Singh hail from Haryana, a state renowned for producing world-class athletes. Suruchi, born in Jhajjar, briefly tried wrestling before finding her true calling in shooting at the age of 13. Her rise has been meteoric, with a string of victories in the ISSF World Cup circuit in 2025 and 2026, where she also set a junior world record. Kamaljeet, from Rewari, transitioned to shooting in 2019 after a track-and-field injury ended his career as an athlete. He faced significant financial hurdles in his early years, but his perseverance paid off with a junior world championship gold in 2023, paving his way to the senior circuit. This Asian Games gold marks a career-defining moment for both young shooters.
The Masterstroke of a Last-Minute Change
The golden pairing of Kamaljeet and Suruchi was the result of a strategic last-minute decision by the National Rifle Association of India. Kamaljeet was brought in to replace another shooter following his strong performance in the men's 10m air pistol qualification round the previous day. The decision proved to be a masterstroke, as the reshuffled team clicked immediately. Their synergy was evident as they controlled the final from the very first series, demonstrating the unique blend of individual skill and mutual trust that is critical in a mixed team event. National coaches praised their mental fortitude and the trust they placed in each other under the immense pressure of a continental final.
A Major Boost for India's Campaign
This victory represents the first gold medal for the Indian shooting contingent at the Aichi-Nagoya Games and the nation's second overall, following the women's cricket team's win. It provides a significant boost to India's medal tally and the morale of the entire contingent. Shooting has consistently been a source of medals for India at major international competitions, and this gold reaffirms the country's status as a powerhouse in the sport. The win by Kamaljeet and Suruchi will undoubtedly inspire other Indian athletes at the Games and sets a high benchmark for the remainder of the shooting events. The nation now has 19 medals in total at the games.
