Indian shooter Rahi Sarnobat has cleared the air over reports of accommodation problems after her arrival in Japan for the 2026 Asian Games.
The veteran shooter said she had no trouble getting a room and was provided accommodation on time. She also said there was only some confusion among the organisers.
Rahi Sarnobat Clears The Air
Sarnobat is part of India’s 35-member shooting squad for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Speaking about the reports of a delay in getting her room, she said there was no such issue.
“Actually, there was no issue at all. There was some confusion with the organisers, but I got my room well on time. I am perfectly all right,” Sarnobat told IANS.
Earlier reports had suggested that Sarnobat had faced problems with her accommodation and had to change hotels before getting a room.
The 35-year-old shooter has plenty of Asian Games experience. She won gold in the women’s 25m pistol event at the 2018 Asian Games. She had also claimed a bronze medal in the team event at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon.
India Begin Shooting Campaign On Sunday
India’s shooting campaign at the Asian Games will begin on Sunday.
The Indian shooting team enjoyed a highly successful campaign at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, winning 22 medals in total. The haul included seven gold, nine silver and six bronze medals.
The Indian shooters will now look to build on that performance when they begin their campaign in Aichi-Nagoya.
Manu Bhaker To Be India’s Flag-Bearer
Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker will carry the Indian flag alongside kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat during the Asian Games opening ceremony on Saturday.
For Bhaker, the honour is also a reminder of her journey in the sport. She made her Asian Games debut as a 16-year-old at the 2018 edition in Jakarta and Palembang.
The Aichi-Nagoya Games will be Bhaker’s third Asian Games appearance. Her rise from a teenage debutant to one of India’s flag-bearers has given her a chance to look back at how much her career has changed over the years.