Mirabai Chanu sets sights on gold as Indian skeet teams secure bronze in Nagoya

India entered the second day of the Asian Games in Nagoya with high expectations across several disciplines. The Hindu noted that weightlifting prodigy Mirabai Chanu stepped onto the platform for the women’s 48kg final, openly aiming for the gold medal that has so far eluded her at this continental event.

Chanu, who captured a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, has been the focus of India’s weightlifting program for years. Going into the final, she carried the weight of a nation that hopes to see her convert past podium finishes into a top‑place finish on Asian soil. Her opening lifts were described as “strategic and confident,” setting the tone for a contest that could reshape her career trajectory.

In a parallel triumph, India’s shooting contingent added two more medals to its haul. According to The Hindu, both the men’s and women’s skeet teams clinched bronze medals, marking a rare double‑podium finish in the same discipline. The men’s squad posted a score that edged out the fourth‑place team by a narrow margin, while the women’s pair displayed composure under pressure to secure their place on the podium.

The Asian Games, held every four years, are second only to the Olympics in scale and prestige for Asian athletes. India’s performance in shooting has traditionally been a stronghold, with the nation ranking among the top medal‑winning countries in the sport. Weightlifting, however, remains a growth area where athletes like Chanu are expected to bridge the gap between regional success and global dominance. A gold medal for Chanu would not only boost her personal legacy but also reinforce India’s rising stature in the sport.

Looking ahead, the Indian contingent will focus on maintaining momentum in upcoming events such as the men’s 10m air rifle and the women’s badminton singles, where medal prospects remain high. Coaches emphasized the importance of recovery and mental preparation, especially after a packed schedule that includes both individual and team competitions. The next few days will be crucial for India to solidify its position in the overall medal table and to build confidence for future international meets.