Aichi-Nagoya, 25 September (H.S.): Indian shooters Suruchi Singh and Kamaljeet produced an impressive performance in the qualification round of the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event at the 2026 Asian Games to book their place in the final. The Indian pair topped the 21-team qualification standings with a score of 587 points on Friday.

Suruchi and Kamaljeet scored 196, 195 and 196 points respectively across the three series. The duo recorded a total of 29 inner 10s. Their score of 587 officially set a new Asian Games qualification record and also equalled the Asian qualification record.

The Indian pair took the lead in the very first series with a score of 196 points. After registering 195 points in the second series, their total reached 391. They then scored another 196 points in the final series to finish at the top with an overall score of 587.

Iran finished second in the qualification standings with 584 points, followed by the Republic of Korea in third with 582 points and Indonesia in fourth with 580 points. These four teams advanced to the medal contest.

Importantly, the qualification scores will not be carried over to the final. All teams will start from zero in the final, making their performance in the medal contest decisive.

Neither Suruchi nor Kamaljeet had the desired campaign in their respective individual 10m Air Pistol events. However, the duo displayed excellent coordination and consistency in the mixed team event to take India to the top of the qualification standings.

The 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team final will be held at 8:30 a.m. IST. India will compete against Iran, the Republic of Korea and Indonesia for the medals.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar