AICHI-NAGOYA — Indian skeet shooting has officially arrived on the continental stage, but for veteran marksman Mairaj Ahmad Khan, the historic medal haul at the 2026 Asian Games is not the finish line—it is a launchpad. As the dust settles on a record-breaking performance in Japan, where India secured medals in all three skeet team events, the mood in the camp is one of immense pride tempered by a relentless, high-achieving hunger.
India’s skeet contingent turned heads over two days of intense competition, claiming podium finishes in the men’s, women’s, and mixed team events. For a country historically dominated by rifle and pistol disciplines, this clean sweep of team medals signals a tectonic shift in the landscape of Indian shooting. Yet, speaking exclusively from Japan, Mairaj Ahmad Khan—a stalwart of the sport—was quick to remind observers that while the results were historic, the ceiling for this team remains much higher.
‘Aur Achha Ho Sakta Tha’: The Pursuit of Perfection
Mairaj, who anchored the men’s team to a hard-fought bronze, did not hide his disappointment regarding the color of the metal. While the achievement marks his first-ever Asian Games medal in a career spanning two decades of continental representation, the champion’s mindset remained front and center.
“Aur achha ho sakta tha,” Mairaj told TimesofIndia.com. “We could have won the gold medal. The stage was set, the opportunity was there, but no problem—next time.”
The road to the bronze was anything but easy. The men’s trio of Anantjeet Singh Naruka, Mairaj, and Bhavtegh Singh Gill amassed 346 points before surviving a high-pressure shoot-off against a formidable Kazakhstan side to secure their place on the podium. Despite the victory, Mairaj was candid about his own individual struggles during the campaign, pointing to the grueling nature of the modern international shooting calendar.
“In the individual event, the hunger was not there,” Mairaj admitted. “I think I was a little tired. I was relaxed, but mentally tired and overworked. The calendar is so busy these days, and it takes a toll.”
A New Generation Rising
The 2026 Asian Games will likely be remembered as the coming-out party for India’s next generation of skeet shooters. Mairaj, who has decorated his trophy cabinet with three World Cup golds and an array of medals from the Asian Championships, is now transitioning into a mentor role, viewing the success of his younger teammates as a vital component of a larger, long-term blueprint.
He heaped praise on the partnership of Anantjeet Singh Naruka and Parinaaz Dhaliwal, whose combined effort in the mixed team event secured yet another bronze for the nation.
“I am really proud of the way Anant and Parinaaz have performed,” Mairaj said. “We are building a team together for the Los Angeles Olympics. What we achieved here is part of a bigger process.”
The women’s team—comprising Raiza Dhillon, Parinaaz Dhaliwal, and Maheshwari Chauhan—also carved their names into history by capturing India’s first-ever Asian Games medal in the women’s skeet event. The ability of these athletes to deliver under the intense pressure of a continental games is, according to Mairaj, proof that the system is beginning to produce world-class talent consistently.
The Road to Los Angeles 2028
As the Indian contingent looks toward the horizon, the focus is shifting rapidly toward the upcoming World Championships and the next cycle of Asian Championships. For Mairaj, who has tasted success across the globe—from the ranges of New Delhi and Changwon to Cairo and Rio de Janeiro—the competitive fire has not flickered, even after years at the top of the sport.
Addressing questions about his longevity, Mairaj was defiant. “I will not stop. Ever since I picked up the gun, I have felt that I could have done better. I have made some mistakes, and I am still learning.”
With his sights locked firmly on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Mairaj views the current momentum as the catalyst for the ultimate prize. For the seasoned veteran, the dream of standing on the highest step of an Olympic podium remains the guiding light of his career.
“The fight is on for the LA Olympics,” he affirmed. “Gold was the dream, and it will remain the dream.”
For India, the Aichi-Nagoya Games have provided more than just silverware; they have provided a blueprint for success. With a veteran leader like Mairaj holding the torch and a hungry young core ready to step into the light, the future of Indian skeet shooting appears brighter—and more competitive—than ever before. As the team prepares for the rigorous qualification cycles ahead, one thing is certain: they are no longer just participating; they are hunting for the top spot.
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