Deaflympics glory: Dhanush sets world record in air rifle, India bags multiple medals

India opened its medal account at the 2025 Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo with standout performances in the men’s and women’s 10 m air rifle events. The Games, held from 15 to 26 November 2025, mark the 100th anniversary of the Deaflympics and are being hosted in Japan for the first time.

In the men’s competition, Hyderabadi shooters made a mark: Dhanush Srikanth clinched gold, setting a Deaf Final World Record of 252.2. Fellow Hyderabad‑based shooter Mohammed Murtaza Vania took silver with 250.1, while South Korea’s Baek Seunghak claimed bronze with 223.6. Dhanush had earlier topped the qualification round with a Deaflympic record score of 630.6.

In the women’s 10 m air rifle, India continued its medal run: Mahit Sandhu won silver with a personal‑best of 250.5, and Komal Waghmare secured bronze with 228.3. Ukraine’s Violeta Lykova captured gold with a world record score of 252.4.

Dhanush, a two‑time Deaflympic gold medallist who also won three golds at the 2024 World Deaf Shooting Championship, is now set to compete in the 10 m air rifle mixed team event on Monday alongside Mahit Sandhu, presenting India with another strong medal opportunity.

Speaking from Hyderabad, Dhanush’s mother, Asha Srikanth, said, “His rankings have fluctuated over the past year, but today’s performance is a big encouragement. Despite his hearing impairment and cochlear implants, he has shown remarkable determination.”

With the Games running through to 26 November and several events still underway, India’s early success in shooting, particularly by athletes from Hyderabad, sets a promising tone for the team, which aims to add more medals in archery, athletics, and other disciplines in the coming days.