Courage, Calm, and a Medal: Meghana Sajjanar at Asian Championships

In an inspiring story from Indian sport, Meghana Sajjanar, eight months pregnant, delivered a medal-winning performance at the Asian Shooting Championships 2026. On February 8, 2026, the 32-year-old shooter clinched bronze in the women’s 10m air rifle event, achieving her maiden individual Asian Championship medal. Competing at the highest level of precision shooting while preparing for motherhood, Meghana’s achievement has drawn widespread admiration across the sporting world.

Meghana Sajjanar Historic Medal at the Asian Championships

• At the Asian Shooting Championships, Meghana Sajjanar delivered a composed performance under intense pressure.
• She missed the silver by a narrow margin after firing just one shot outside the 10-ring in the final.
• Along with her individual bronze, she also contributed to India’s gold medal in the women’s team event, making the championship doubly memorable.
• The medal marked her first individual Asian-level podium finish, adding historic value to her personal and professional journey.

Why 10m Air Rifle Is Extra Challenging

• The 10m air rifle is among the most demanding precision sports, requiring absolute balance, posture stability and control over body tremors.
• Athletes aim at a 0.5 mm bullseye, where even minor physical changes can affect performance.
• Competing while pregnant added an extraordinary challenge, as body weight, posture and balance continuously changed.
• Meghana adjusted daily, recalibrating her stance and technique to maintain elite-level consistency.

Training Through Pregnancy: A Planned Decision

• Meghana revealed that she had no doubts about continuing training and competition after learning about her pregnancy.
• With guidance from her coach, she modified her routines rather than stepping away from the sport.
• Despite physical discomfort and constant adjustments, she remained mentally prepared.
• Her coach initially expressed surprise but soon focused on providing tailored support, ensuring Meghana could compete safely and confidently.

Support from Coaches and Technical Adjustments

• India’s national shooting coaches highlighted that pregnancy makes rifle events particularly difficult due to posture sensitivity.
• Meghana also had to repeatedly alter her shooting jacket and trousers, which provide stiffness and balance support.
• Extra material adjustments were needed as her body changed, making equipment management another daily challenge.
• These technical adaptations played a key role in her medal-winning performance.

Why This Achievement Matters for Indian Sport

• Meghana Sajjanar’s performance goes beyond medals.
• It challenges stereotypes around pregnancy and elite sport, showing that with medical care, planning and support, women athletes can continue competing at the highest level.
• Her achievement strengthens the conversation on athlete motherhood, inclusivity and flexible training systems in Indian sports.

Key Summary at a Glance

Question

Q. Meghana Sajjanar won a medal at the Asian Championships in which event?

A. 10m air pistol
B. 50m rifle prone
C. 10m air rifle
D. 25m sport pistol