India Shooters Silver Medal After Two-Hour Bus Ride
India’s shooters’ silver medal after a two-hour bus ride came after the team found ways to stay fresh during a demanding journey to the Aichi Prefectural General Shooting Gallery in Toyota City. Elavenil Valarivan, Sonam Maskar and Vidarsa Vinod finished second behind China in the women’s 10m air rifle team event.
The shooting venue sits around 670 metres above sea level, with the route from Nagoya passing through winding roads and hilly stretches. The journey could take close to two hours, creating an unexpected challenge before competition began.
The Indian shooters’ bus journey became part of their preparation for the event. The movement of the bus on winding roads raised concerns about neck stiffness and motion sickness, both of which could affect concentration before a precision shooting competition.
Phone screens were also avoided during the journey. Looking at screens while travelling on winding roads can worsen motion sickness, so the shooters kept their devices away and focused on resting instead.
The Indian shooters’ silver medal after a two-hour bus ride showed how small adjustments became important during a competition where physical steadiness and concentration matter. Some members of the team chose to sleep during the journey rather than arrive at the range mentally tired.
The approach was particularly relevant for Elavenil, Sonam and Vidarsa, who had to maintain consistency throughout the team event. China finished ahead of India, while the Indian trio secured the silver medal.
Elavenil later added an individual silver medal on the same day, giving her two podium finishes from the competition.
The Indian shooters’ bus journey experience also underlined the unusual logistical demands of the Aichi-Nagoya Games. Travel conditions can become an important part of preparation when venues are located away from major city centres.
For the Indian team, the focus now turns to maintaining shooting form through the remaining events. The Indian shooters’ silver medal after a two-hour bus ride has already added a memorable detail to a campaign shaped not only by competition, but also by careful preparation before reaching the firing line.