Kozhikode, Sept 2026 : Vidarsa K Vinod created history by becoming the first female sportsperson from Keralam to win a shooting medal at the Asian Games, securing silver in the women’s 10m air rifle team event at the 20th Asian Games in Japan.
The silver came in Vinod’s maiden appearance at the continental Games. She was part of India’s silver-medal-winning team in the 10m air rifle event and will also compete in the women’s 50m rifle 3 Positions competition later in the Games.
Speaking to a television channel, Vinod expressed her happiness at winning a medal on her Asian Games debut.
“There are very few people from Keralam in this sport and I am happy to be the first woman from the state to win a medal in shooting,” she said.
Vinod took up shooting in 2018 through the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and decided to pursue the sport professionally a year later. She has undertaken most of her training in Delhi while continuing to compete in international competitions.
The shooter, who married around a year-and-a-half ago, said she resumed training soon after her wedding and continued competing at the international level. Her demanding schedule, she said, meant that she and her husband had limited time to spend together.
Vinod credited her parents, husband, other family members and coach for playing an important role in her journey and supporting her throughout her career.
“Without any of their support I could not have achieved this,” she said.
Her mother, speaking to a television channel in Kozhikode, said she was unable to express her happiness in words and felt immensely proud of her daughter’s achievement.
Vinod’s father also expressed his pride and hoped that his daughter would go on to win gold in her main event.
The Asian Games silver has given Vinod additional confidence and motivation ahead of her next competition. She is scheduled to participate in the women’s 50m rifle 3 Positions event on September 26.
Vinod also welcomed the Keralam government’s recently announced cash incentives for Asian Games medallists, saying the recognition would encourage athletes to perform at the highest level.
“Prior to this our sportspersons had not received any such cash prize from the government. So, this support gives us energy to perform,” she said.
Earlier this month, the Keralam government announced cash rewards of Rs 50 lakh for state athletes winning gold medals at the Asian Games, Rs 30 lakh for silver and Rs 20 lakh for bronze.
Vinod’s silver has now added a historic milestone to Keralam’s sporting record while giving the shooter further impetus ahead of her individual event.
