India's deaf women shooters Mahit Sandhu and Komal Waghmare clinch silver and bronze in Air Rifle, boosting the nation's medal tally at Deaflympics 2025 Tokyo.
India's strong showing at the Deaflympics 2025 in Tokyo witnessed another impressive milestone as the nation clinched double medals in the women's 10m Air Rifle shooting event.
Mahit Sandhu secured the silver medal with a stellar final score of 250.5, complemented by her compatriot Komal Milind Waghmare who earned the bronze with a commendable score of 228.3.
This achievement adds to India's growing medal tally, underscoring the country's emergence as a powerhouse in para-sports, especially in shooting disciplines at the Deaflympics.
The women's 10m Air Rifle final was fiercely competitive, where Sandhu and Waghmare exhibited remarkable precision and calm under pressure.
Sandhu, only 20 years old, entered the final in second position after qualifying with an outstanding score of 623.4, while Waghmare qualified third with a solid 622.0. The gold medal in this event was claimed by Ukraine's Violeta Lydkova, who set a world record with a score of 252.4.
Sandhu's silver and Waghmare's bronze marked a proud moment for India, signalling the country's rising stature in the Deaflympics.
Officials and sports administrators lauded the athletes' performances. Representatives from the Sports Authority of India praised the shooters for their commitment and talent, highlighting these results as a reflection of years of hard work and improved sports infrastructure dedicated to differently-abled athletes.
"Their achievements underscore India's deepening culture of inclusivity in sports and set a motivating example for aspiring athletes nationwide," said an official from SAI.
The Indian shooting team had already been in the limelight with Dhanush Srikanth winning men's 10m Air Rifle gold and setting a Deaflympics final world record, reflecting the overall strength of India's shooting squad at the Games.
The success of Sandhu and Waghmare is no accident but the result of systematic support and targeted investment in deaf sports in India.
Both athletes trained extensively with access to modern facilities and coaching, benefiting from government programmes that provide financial aid, training support, and competitive exposure. Sandhu, for instance, came into the Deaflympics holding the qualification world record, and her performance in Tokyo affirmed her status among the best globally.
The 2025 Deaflympics mark the 25th edition of this prestigious international event, held in Tokyo with participation from around 3,000 athletes representing 81 countries across 20 sports.
For India, this event has highlighted the growing pool of talented deaf athletes who, despite societal challenges, are making their mark on the world stage.
These achievements are a direct outcome of initiatives focusing on inclusion and equal opportunity, as well as the resilience and dedication of the athletes themselves.
India's medal haul at the Tokyo Deaflympics is impressive, with four medals secured so far: one gold, two silver, and one bronze. The gold was clinched by Dhanush Srikanth in men's 10m Air Rifle with a remarkable score of 252.2, setting a new Deaflympics final world record.
Alongside him, Mohammed Murtaza Vania won silver in the men's event with a score of 250.1. The women's Air Rifle medals by Sandhu and Waghmare add to this collective achievement, demonstrating India's balanced strength across genders in shooting sports.
Such achievements are paving the way for increased visibility of deaf athletes and encouraging broader societal acceptance.
Importantly, Indian athletes with hearing impairments compete in national championships and international events alongside able-bodied athletes, showcasing their excellence in an integrated sporting environment.
This integration and the achievements in Tokyo underscore the importance of support systems like the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in Delhi and other regional training hubs.
India's stories of success at the Deaflympics are powerful narratives of resilience, dedication, and triumph over adversity. They challenge outdated perceptions about disability and inspire a reimagining of what inclusion truly means in sport and society.
The victories of Mahit Sandhu, Komal Waghmare, and their teammates highlight the profound impact of equal opportunity-where talent receives the support and recognition it deserves, regardless of physical limitations.
As a society committed to fostering peace, empathy, and harmony, it is crucial to extend our support beyond the celebration of medals.
These athletes deserve sustained visibility, adequate resources, and inclusive platforms year-round to thrive and inspire future generations.