India opened its campaign at the 2025 Tokyo Deaflympics with an outstanding shooting performance headed by Dhanush Srikanth, who set a record in the men’s 10m air rifle event. He won the gold medal with a remarkable score of 252.2, establishing a new Deaf Final World Record and reaffirming his dominance after winning the same title in 2022. His precision was unmatched throughout the final, and each shot strengthened his lead.

His teammate, Mohammed Murtaza Vania, kept the competition exciting by winning silver with 250.1. Baek Seunghak of South Korea took bronze to round out the competitive podium. Dhanush’s qualification round was as amazing as he topped the charts with 630.6 points, shattering the Deaflympic qualification record and showing exceptional consistency.

India extended its winning streak in the women’s 10m air rifle event. Mahit Sandhu won silver with 250.5 following a calm performance, while Komal Waghmare took bronze with 228.3. Their gold marked the first time Indian women shooters reached the Deaflympic podium in this event, emphasising the significance of the accomplishment.

Dhanush, who trains at the National Centre of Excellence in Delhi despite facing challenges related to two cochlear implant procedures, has won considerable recognition for his resilience.