Abhinav Deshwal Wins Gold in 25m Pistol, Secures India’s 15th Shooting Medal at Deaflympics
India added another proud chapter to its sporting achievements as shooter Abhinav Deshwal clinched the gold medal in the 25m pistol event at the Deaflympics in Tokyo on Sunday. His composed performance, technical precision, and record-equalling qualification score made him stand out in a highly competitive field, securing India’s 15th medal in shooting at the ongoing event.
Deshwal finished with a final score of 44, narrowly edging past South Korea’s Seoung Hwa Lee, who ended with 43 after a tense and tightly contested battle. Ukraine’s Sehri Fromin took home the bronze medal, while Indian shooter Chetan Hanmatt Spakl finished fifth, missing out on the podium despite a strong qualification round.
A Dominant Final Built on Accuracy and Control
Abhinav began the final with five consecutive perfect hits, showing confidence from the very first round. He continued with another four hits, establishing early momentum that set the tone for the rest of the contest.
Across the next stages, he displayed remarkable consistency — hitting 18 out of 20 shots, including multiple flawless sequences. Even when the intensity rose in the later rounds, he held his composure, finishing strong enough to secure the top position.
His final round, where he scored three hits — his lowest in the event — still proved sufficient to seal the victory thanks to the strong lead he had built earlier.
Record-Equalling Qualification Performance
Earlier in the day, Deshwal delivered a standout qualification display, matching both the world deaf qualification record and the Deaflympics record with a score of 575-13X. Chetan qualified second with 573-21X, giving India two finalists and reinforcing the country's growing strength in Deaflympics shooting disciplines.
What Makes the Deaflympics Unique
The Deaflympics is a global multi-sport event held for athletes with hearing disabilities. Recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), it differs from the Olympics and Paralympics because athletes cannot rely on sound cues such as starter pistols, whistles, countdowns, or announcements.
The event has been organised since 1924 by the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (CISS) and remains one of the oldest global sporting movements promoting inclusivity, independence, and high-performance competition for deaf athletes.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Abhinav Deshwal’s gold medal showcases India’s rising excellence in precision shooting and highlights the commitment of athletes who continue to break barriers on international platforms. His achievement not only strengthens India’s medal tally but also inspires greater awareness and appreciation for Deaflympics sports. As India continues to shine in global competitions, performances like these reinforce the power of determination, skill, and national pride.