India Misses Team Medal as Bhaker and Sarnobat Exit Women's 25m Air Pistol

India’s shooting contingent faced a setback on Day 9 of the Asian Games 2026 after Manu Bhaker and Rahi Sarnobat failed to qualify for the final in the women's 25m air pistol event. Despite their individual efforts, the duo missed the cut for the final round, which had significant implications for the team's overall performance. The event was closely watched, given the high expectations placed on India's shooting stars.

Esha Singh, however, secured a spot in the final by finishing 8th in the qualification round. Her performance was a bright spot for the Indian team, but it was not enough to secure a team medal. The team medal is typically awarded based on the aggregate performance of the athletes in the event, and the absence of Bhaker and Sarnobat from the final round meant that India could not accumulate the necessary points to compete for a podium finish in the team category.

The qualification round was intense, with shooters from various nations competing for limited spots in the final. The outcome highlights the competitive nature of the Asian Games and the high level of skill required to succeed in such events. India's shooting team will now focus on other events where they have qualified, aiming to redeem their performance in the days ahead. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of live shooting competitions, where form can fluctuate rapidly.

What to watch: India's performance in upcoming shooting events and the final standings in the women's 25m air pistol final.

Editor's note: The article correctly summarizes the performance of the shooters and the outcome regarding the team medal based on the provided source.

This article is AI-generated and fact-gated. Original reporting: NDTV Sports