Mona Agarwal Sets Asian Para Games Record in 10m Air Rifle

Mona Agarwal won the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 gold medal at the Asian Para Games on 19 October 2026. She scored 250.0 points in the final at the Aichi Prefectural General Shooting Gallery in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, setting a new Asian Para Games record.

Para-Shooting Classification

SH1 is a classification in para shooting for athletes who can support and hold their firearm without an external rifle stand. SH2 is the rifle classification for athletes who require a support stand. The SH1 category includes rifle and pistol events, while the specific event contested by Agarwal was the 10m air rifle standing event. Para-shooting competitions are organised by shooting discipline, distance, position and eligible sport class. In the 10m air rifle event, athletes shoot at a target placed 10 metres away. The standing event requires competitors to shoot from a standing position.

Asian Para Games Record and Indian Finish

Agarwal’s final score of 250.0 surpassed the previous Asian Para Games record of 249.6, set by fellow Indian shooter Avani Lekhara at the 2022 Hangzhou Games. Lekhara won silver in the 2026 event with 249.6 points, giving India the gold and silver medals. Agarwal also topped the qualification round with 629.1 points, setting a new continental qualification record. The gold was India’s first medal at the 2026 Asian Para Games. It also secured a second quota place for India for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.

Para-Shooting and Paralympic Context

The Asian Para Games are a multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities from Asian national Paralympic committees. The Games are held every four years, in the year following the Asian Games. The 2026 edition is taking place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Agarwal won a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. She trains in Jaipur under coach Yogesh Kumar. Avani Lekhara is also an Indian para-shooter and won the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Important Facts for Exams

• SH1 para-shooters compete without an external rifle support stand.
• The 10m air rifle event uses a target positioned 10 metres from the firing point.
• The Asian Para Games are held every four years, in the year after the Asian Games.
• Avani Lekhara won gold in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.

Mona Agarwal’s 250.0-point final score established the Asian Para Games record in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event.