Anjum Moudgil, Aakriti Shine at Asian Shooting Championship

India’s rifle shooters delivered a strong performance at the Asian Rifle and Pistol Championship, with Anjum Moudgil clinching bronze in the women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions and Aakriti Dahiya securing her maiden international medal. The event witnessed high drama in qualification as Anjum’s composure under unexpected circumstances proved decisive.

Anjum’s Costly Error Turns Into Advantage

Anjum Moudgil faced a rare lapse during the qualification round when she inadvertently fired match shots assuming they were sighters. Sighter shots are trial attempts taken to adjust aim before the official scoring begins. By the time she realised the match had started, eight shots had already been recorded.

However, her disciplined approach to sighters worked in her favour. All the shots scored perfect 10s, preventing any major setback. Despite the initial confusion, she finished third in qualification and went on to claim the bronze medal. Kazakhstan’s Sofiya Shulzhenko won gold, while India’s Aakriti Dahiya took silver.

Aakriti Dahiya’s Maiden International Podium

The silver medal marked Aakriti Dahiya’s first international podium finish in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions. The 24-year-old displayed remarkable composure in the final. She described the discipline as technically demanding and more challenging than the 10m air rifle due to its multiple variables.

India also had Ashi Chouksey in the final, where she finished fourth. In the team event, Kazakhstan secured gold, India won silver, and Japan claimed bronze, underlining strong Asian competition in rifle shooting.

New ISSF Rules Add Tactical Complexity

The final was conducted under revised ISSF rules aimed at making the format more spectator-friendly. The 50m Rifle 3 Positions event includes kneeling, prone, and standing stages. The updated structure features shorter segments and quicker transitions, demanding sharper mental focus and adaptability from shooters.

Anjum noted that while earlier formats had clearly demarcated stages, the new structure requires on-the-spot tactical adjustments. Though manageable, it demands additional training and strategic preparation.

Important Facts for Exams

• 50m Rifle 3 Positions includes kneeling, prone, and standing shooting stages.
• ISSF governs international shooting sport competitions.
• Sighter shots are practice shots taken before official scoring begins.
• Kazakhstan and India are strong competitors in Asian rifle shooting events.

Experience and Motivation Drive Anjum Forward

At 32, Anjum emphasised that setbacks continue to fuel her motivation. She reflected that losses and adversity strengthen competitive resolve. Her praise for Aakriti highlighted the importance of nurturing young talent in Indian shooting. The results reaffirm India’s depth in women’s rifle events and signal strong prospects ahead of upcoming global competitions.