Who Is Vidarsa Vinod? Kerala Shooter Makes Asian Games History

Vidarsa K Vinod created history at the Asian Games 2026 by becoming the first woman shooter from Keralam to win a medal at the continental event, securing silver in the women’s 10m air rifle team competition in Japan.

It was Vidarsa’s Asian Games debut, making the achievement even more significant. The shooter is also set to compete in the women’s 50m rifle 3 Positions event on September 26.

“There are very few people from Keralam in this sport, and I am happy to be the first woman from the state to win a medal in shooting,” Vidarsa said in a television interview.

From NCC To Asian Games Medal

Vidarsa began shooting in 2018 through the National Cadet Corps (NCC), before deciding to pursue the sport professionally a year later.

Much of her training takes place in New Delhi, where she has developed her skills while competing on the international circuit.

The 10m air rifle team silver was her first Asian Games medal, and Vidarsa credited her parents, husband, family members and coach for helping her reach the podium.

“Without any of their support, I could not have achieved this,” she said.

Vidarsa got married around a year and a half ago but said she began training soon after the wedding and quickly returned to international competition.

The demanding schedule meant she and her husband were unable to spend much time together, but the support from her family remained an important part of her journey.

Historic First For Keralam

Vidarsa’s medal was celebrated across Keralam, with political leaders congratulating the shooter for creating a new milestone.

Keralam Chief Minister V D Satheesan spoke to Vidarsa over a video call and told her that the state was “happy and proud” of her achievement.

He described her as the first shooter from Keralam to win an Asian Games medal and assured her of continued state support.

Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan also called Vidarsa personally to congratulate her, saying her performance had made Keralam proud.

BJP Keralam chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar described the achievement as a “historic first” and congratulated Vidarsa and her teammates.

State Sports Minister O J Janeesh said the government would support athletes who win medals for the country at the Asian Games, including steps to provide jobs according to their eligibility.

Silver Gives Vidarsa Fresh Motivation

Vidarsa’s silver has also given her additional confidence ahead of her individual event.

She said the medal had provided her with more energy to prepare for the women’s 50m rifle 3 Positions competition, which she considers her main event at the Asian Games.

The shooter also welcomed the cash incentives announced by the Keralam government for Asian Games medallists.

The state has announced rewards of Rs 50 lakh for gold medallists, Rs 30 lakh for silver medallists and Rs 20 lakh for bronze medallists.

“Prior to this, our sportspersons had not received any such cash prize from the government. So, this support gives us energy to perform,” Vidarsa said.

Family Hopes For Gold In Her Main Event

Vidarsa’s mother said she was unable to find words to express her happiness after watching her daughter win an Asian Games medal.

Her father, meanwhile, hoped she could go one step further and win gold in her individual event.

For Vidarsa, the team silver is only the beginning of her Asian Games journey.

After making history as the first woman shooter from Keralam to win an Asian Games medal, she will now turn her attention to the 50m rifle 3 Positions event on September 26, where she will look to build on the confidence gained from her historic debut.