Uttar Pradesh shooter Akash claimed the spotlight on Tuesday by clinching the gold medal in the mixed 50m pistol SH1 category at the Khelo India Para Games (KIPG). With nerves of steel and razor-sharp focus, Akash delivered a stellar performance in a tense final round, edging past Tamil Nadu’s Sanjeev Kumar by a narrow 0.2-point margin.
Akash didn’t flinch under pressure. As the final rounds unfolded at the Karni Singh Shooting Range, he stayed locked in, delivering precision with every shot. His final two shots scored a combined 15.7, enough to push him ahead of the field and seal the victory for Uttar Pradesh. This gold added to UP’s growing medal tally, reinforcing the state’s status as a rising power in para shooting.
The final witnessed a dramatic turn of events when Rajasthan’s Paralympian Rudransh Khandelwal suffered a pistol malfunction at a crucial moment. Khandelwal, who had earlier won the gold medal in the men’s 10m air pistol SH1 event, looked on track for another podium finish. However, his equipment betrayed him during the pressure-packed final, causing a dip in performance and clearing the path for Akash to surge ahead.
The Tokyo Paralympian from Uttar Pradesh didn’t let the opportunity slip. He kept his focus intact and capitalized on the moment. Sanjeev Kumar pushed hard in the closing stages, but Akash’s consistency ensured he crossed the finish line at the top.
Rajasthan Tops Shooting Medal Tally
As the shooting events wrapped up at the Khelo India Para Games, Rajasthan emerged as the best-performing state in the sport. Their athletes bagged nine medals in total, including four gold and two silver. Consistent performances across both men’s and mixed categories allowed Rajasthan to dominate the shooting segment.
Rajasthan’s shooters displayed high-caliber performances, with medals coming across multiple disciplines. Khandelwal’s earlier gold in the men’s 10m air pistol SH1 served as a major highlight for the state. Even though he missed out on another medal on Tuesday, his contribution to Rajasthan’s overall tally remained significant.
Rajasthan’s success reflected in the way its shooters adapted to pressure and executed their skills with precision. Their medal haul capped off an impressive shooting campaign, placing them firmly at the top of the discipline.
Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra Follow Closely
Uttar Pradesh secured the second spot in the shooting medal tally with a total of four medals, including two golds. Akash’s victory served as a major boost for the team, building on their earlier success in the competition. The state’s shooters showed promise, poise, and growing depth in both individual and mixed events.
Maharashtra claimed the third position with three medals, two of which were gold. The state’s shooters brought in strong performances through disciplined technique and calm under pressure. They made their presence felt in high-stakes finals and returned with solid results that added weight to their overall KIPG medal tally.
These results signaled a growing competitive field in para shooting across India. With more states investing in infrastructure and athlete development, the quality of competition has gone up significantly, and the medal spread reflects that evolution.
Khelo India Para Games – Medal Tally Overview After Day Six
With two days of action remaining in this edition of the Khelo India Para Games, a total of 166 gold medals have been decided so far. The competition across athletics, swimming, powerlifting, and shooting has produced some thrilling moments and inspiring performances from para-athletes across the country.
Haryana leads the overall medal tally with an impressive haul of 95 medals, including 30 golds. Their dominance has come from strong performances in track and field, as well as in team events. Haryana’s para-athletes have consistently stepped up in finals, winning not just by skill but also through strategic excellence.
Tamil Nadu sits in second place, having secured 67 medals, including 25 golds. The southern state has produced outstanding showings in athletics and swimming, with several para-athletes breaking personal and national records. Sanjeev Kumar’s silver in the mixed 50m pistol SH1 added to Tamil Nadu’s strong showing on Day Six.
Uttar Pradesh remains in close pursuit with 54 medals, including 22 golds. Akash’s gold on Tuesday helped them reduce the gap slightly, and with multiple medal events remaining in the next two days, UP still has the opportunity to move up in the rankings.
Rudransh Khandelwal: Triumph and Heartbreak
Paris Paralympian Rudransh Khandelwal represented the spirit of competition and resilience. On one day, he soared to gold in the 10m air pistol SH1. On the next, a technical malfunction stopped him from replicating the magic. His pistol jammed at a vital juncture during Tuesday’s final, derailing his campaign for a second gold medal.
Khandelwal handled the situation with grace. Instead of frustration, he focused on finishing the event and supporting his fellow competitors. His sportsmanship and composure stood out as much as his talent, earning him admiration across the shooting community.
He has already qualified for the Paris Paralympics, and his performance at KIPG only strengthens his preparation. Despite the setback, Khandelwal proved that he remains one of India’s brightest hopes in para shooting on the global stage.
The Road Ahead: Final Two Days of KIPG
With the shooting events concluded, the spotlight now turns to athletics, swimming, and powerlifting in the remaining two days of the Khelo India Para Games. These final events will determine the overall champion state and bring the curtain down on a week of thrilling para-sport action.
Athletes from Haryana, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh will continue to battle for supremacy, and every medal from this point forward will play a crucial role in shaping the final standings. With tight margins at the top, states will need to bring their best to the remaining events.
Conclusion: Akash’s Gold Reflects India’s Growing Para Sports Culture
Akash’s gold in the mixed 50m pistol SH1 not only highlighted his personal excellence but also represented the larger growth of para sports in India. The increasing depth in competition, the emergence of new talents from different states, and the spotlight on events like the Khelo India Para Games have all contributed to the rising momentum.
As para athletes like Akash and Khandelwal inspire the next generation, India continues to move forward in building an inclusive and competitive para-sporting ecosystem. With the Paris Paralympics on the horizon, performances at KIPG offer a strong glimpse into what lies ahead for India’s para athletes on the international stage.
