Vidarsa Vinod makes history as first Malayali shooter to win Asian Games medal

Vidarsa Vinod has etched her name in the history books, becoming the first-ever shooter from Kerala to win a medal at the Asian Games. Competing in Nagoya, Vidarsa clinched a silver medal in the women's 10m air rifle team event alongside her Indian teammates, Elavenil Valarivan and Sonam Maskar.

The Indian trio put up a spectacular performance to secure the second spot on the podium with a total score of 1898.0 points. Powerhouses China took home the gold with 1904.2 points, while Japan claimed the bronze medal in a highly competitive field.

Focusing on the challenge
For Vidarsa, a native of Thiruvambady in Kozhikode, the achievement is the culmination of immense hard work and mental conditioning. Speaking about the historic feat, she expressed her delight and shared how she prepared for the pressure of the international stage. "I am incredibly happy. We expected a medal and prepared extensively for this. However, it was only in the final stages of the event that we confirmed our podium spot," Vidarsa told Malayala Manorama.

Remarkably, she only began training in the 10m air rifle category a year ago. "I underwent specific training to handle the competitive pressure. Knowing that I am the first Malayali to achieve this makes it even more special," she added.

An uphill battle for national selection
The journey to the national squad is often as gruelling as the tournament itself, given the world-class depth in Indian shooting. "Securing a spot in the Indian team is exceptionally tough because the competition back home is of the highest international standard. You have to compete against elite athletes just to make the cut. Being selected for two separate events at the Asian Games was a massive milestone for me," Vidarsa explained.

While the 10m air rifle silver is a major milestone, Vidarsa is already looking forward to her pet event. "The 50m rifle event is my primary focus and the one I have prioritised in my training. I am going to give it my absolute best and hope to bring more glory to the country," she said.

A rising star from Kerala
Vidarsa's journey to international success has been paved with consistent domestic performances. In 2019, she was the sole female shooter representing Kerala among the 12 girls selected nationwide for the 50m individual event at the Khelo India Youth Games in Assam. She dominated the regional circuit the same year, winning multiple accolades at the South Zone Shooting Championship and being crowned state champion at the Kerala Shooting Championship.

The talented shooter, who refines her skills at the National Games Shooting Range in Vattiyoorkavu, Thiruvananthapuram, is the daughter of Vinod KD and Anitha Vinod from Thiruvambady, Kozhikode.