Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Sports Minister OJ Janeesh has recommended appointing 2026 Asian Games silver medallist Vidarsa K Vinod to a suitable government position under the state's sports quota provisions.

India opened its medal tally at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya at the Aichi Prefectural General Shooting Gallery, where Elavenil Valarivan, Sonam Uttam Maskar, and Vidarsa Kochalumkal Vinod posted a combined qualification aggregate of 1898.0 points to secure silver in the women’s 10m Air Rifle team event.

In a letter addressed to Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan, Minister OJ Janeesh proposed that Vidarsa Vinod be considered for a government role under the sports quota. Highlighting her landmark achievement as the first female athlete from Kerala to win an Asian Games shooting medal, the minister urged authorities to review her eligibility and initiate official proceedings, noting that the appointment would honor her accomplishments and inspire aspiring athletes across the state.

“Ms Vidarsa K. Vinod, a native of Kozhikode, has brought immense pride to Kerala by winning the Silver Medal in the Women's 10m Air Rifle Team Event at the 2026 Asian Games. She was a member of the Indian team that secured India's first medal at the Games and is the first woman sportsperson from Kerala to win an Asian Games medal in shooting. In recognition of this historic achievement, I propose that Ms Vidarsa K. Vinod may be considered for appointment to a suitable post in Government service under the applicable Sports Quota provisions, subject to the fulfilment of the prescribed qualifications and eligibility criteria and verification of her credentials,” OJ Janeesh stated in the letter.

“I request that approval may kindly be accorded for directing the General Administration Department and other authorities concerned to examine her case in accordance with the applicable rules and initiate the necessary proceedings. Her appointment would appropriately recognise her outstanding achievement and serve as an encouragement to young athletes across Kerala,” he added.

China clinched the gold medal in the women’s 10m Air Rifle team competition with a aggregate score of 1904.2 points, powered by Wang Zifei (636.8), Han Jiayu (633.8), and Du Yuchen (633.6).

Host nation Japan earned the bronze medal with a combined score of 1897.1. Sonam led the Indian squad during qualification with a score of 634.1 to finish third, while Elavenil qualified in seventh place with 633.5. Vidarsa delivered a solid 630.4 to finish 12th in the individual rankings, successfully securing team silver for India. (ANI)