Elavenil Valarivan credits Japan-style training for Asian Games silver double

Elavenil Valarivan was quick to credit India's Japan-style preparation after the rifle shooter helped the country secure two silver medals on the opening day of the shooting competition at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Sunday. "Replicating the entire Japan system in India, of course, that was a good thing that was done by the association, the Rifle Association of India. We were starting to work our day according to the Japan timings. We were eating similar kind of food. We were in the bus in the similar time zone, and I think that all really helped us to get into the routine once we were in Nagoya," Elavenil told India Today in an exclusive interview. Elavenil helped India secure silver in the team event before adding an individual silver later in the day. The 2025 World Championship bronze medallist finished with 252.4 points in the individual final, just 0.6 behind Taichi, who clinched gold with an Asian Games record 253.0. India's shooting campaign began on a high note, with Elavenil playing a starring role in the country's double-silver haul in the women's 10m air rifle competition. The Rifle Association of India had worked on replicating aspects of the Japanese system in India ahead of the Games, with the shooters adjusting their schedules, food habits and travel timings to mirror what they would experience in Nagoya. Elavenil felt the preparation helped the team settle quickly once they arrived in Japan. The individual silver added another major international medal to Elavenil's career, while her contribution to the team event ensured India began its shooting campaign with two medals. With the competition still in its early stages, India's shooters will look to build on the strong start in the remaining events at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.