Meet Vidarsa K Vinod: From NCC Cadet in 2018 to Double Asian Games Silver Medallist in 2026
Vidarsa K Vinod’s journey from picking up a rifle during an NCC shooting trial in 2018 to winning two silver medals for India at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 has emerged as an inspiring story of determination, discipline and sporting excellence.
Her association with shooting began in 2018 when, as an NCC cadet, Vidarsa participated in a shooting trial and picked up a rifle for the first time. What started as an opportunity through the National Cadet Corps eventually developed into a competitive shooting career that took her to one of Asia’s biggest sporting stages.
Eight years later, Vidarsa represented India at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, where she secured two silver medals in rifle shooting events.
She was part of the Indian team that won silver in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Team event. Vidarsa also contributed to another silver-medal performance for India in the Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions Team event, completing an impressive double podium finish at the continental Games.
The two medals marked a major milestone in a journey that began at an NCC shooting range. Her progression demonstrates how opportunities provided at the grassroots level can help identify and develop sporting talent capable of representing India internationally.
From an NCC cadet trying shooting in 2018 to standing on the Asian Games podium twice in 2026, Vidarsa’s rise reflects years of training, perseverance and competitive development.
Her achievement has also highlighted the role of the NCC in introducing young cadets to shooting and providing them with an early platform to discover their potential in the sport.
One rifle and one opportunity in 2018 eventually became a journey to two Asian Games silver medals for India eight years later, making Vidarsa K Vinod’s story an inspiring example for young cadets and aspiring shooters across the country.
