Anantjeet Naruka Wins Two Bronze at Asian Games 2026
Indian shooter Anantjeet Naruka celebrates two bronze medals at the Asian Games 2026, crediting his father for his sporting journey.
Indian shooter Anantjeet Singh Naruka has brought pride to the nation by securing two bronze medals at the Asian Games 2026. Reflecting on his double success, the skeet specialist attributed his journey to his family roots, specifically highlighting the influence of his father in shaping his career.
A Family Legacy in Shooting
For Naruka, the path to the podium was paved by his parents. Speaking about his achievements, he noted that his entry into the world of competitive shooting was a direct result of his family's passion for the sport.
"I would like to give the credit to my parents. It is because of them that I stepped onto this court. My father was a shooter himself; he was the one who introduced me to the sport."
Beyond personal inspiration, Naruka also highlighted the importance of institutional backing. He expressed gratitude toward the Rajasthan government, noting that their continued support is vital for keeping athletes motivated and enabling them to compete at high levels like the Asian and Olympic Games.
The Road to Olympic Glory
While the bronze medals are a significant milestone, Naruka's eyes are already set on a much larger prize. The Indian shooting contingent is now shifting its focus toward the upcoming World Championship scheduled for November.
This upcoming tournament is of critical importance, as it serves as a gateway to the Olympics by offering Olympic quota places. The team is set to begin intensive preparations immediately to ensure they are ready for this high-stakes competition.
Breakdown of the Medal Wins
Naruka's performance at the Aichi-Nagoya games was characterized by consistency across both team and mixed events:
- Men’s Skeet Team Event: Alongside teammates Bhavtegh and Mairaj, Naruka secured a bronze medal with a total score of 346. The podium was completed by Qatar (Gold, 353 points) and Kuwait (Silver, 348 points).
- Mixed Team Skeet Event: Partnering with Parinaaz Dhaliwal, Naruka earned another bronze medal. The duo finished behind the gold-winning Chinese pair and the silver-winning South Korean team.
India's overall performance at the Asian Games 2026 continues to grow, with the nation tallying a total of 30 medals so far, consisting of four golds, 12 silvers, and 14 bronzes.