Tokyo, November 16, 2025: Indian shooter Dhanush Srikanth stunned the competition at the Deaflympics by setting a new world record and securing the gold medal in the men’s 10-metre air rifle event. His win marked India’s first podium finish of the Games.
Competing at 23, Srikanth built on his successful debut at the 2022 Deaflympics and delivered an exceptional performance in Tokyo, scoring a record-setting 252.2 in the final. His countryman Mohammed Murtaza Vania won silver with 250.1, while South Korea’s Baek Seunghak took bronze with 223.6.
In the qualifiers, Srikanth led with 630.6 points a new Deaflympic record while Vania followed with 626.3. The final showcased Srikanth’s dominance as he broke the previous marks in style to seize his second men’s gold at the Deaflympics.
A national camper based at the Karni Singh Ranges in Delhi, Srikanth had last competed in 2024 at the World Deaf Shooting Championship in Hanover, where he collected three gold medals. He now targets a fourth Deaflympic gold in the mixed 10 m air rifle event alongside teammate Mahit Sandhu.
Sandhu, 20, earlier secured a silver in the women’s 10 m air rifle with 250.5 points, while fellow Indian Komal Waghmare claimed bronze with 228.3. Ukraine’s Lydkova Violeta took gold with a world-record 252.4.
Srikanth’s journey is particularly inspiring. Born with congenital hearing impairment, he underwent two cochlear implant surgeries and communicated mostly through gestures and his hearing device. His mother, Asha Srikanth, noted that his ranking had fluctuated since December 2024, preventing participation in some international events. His return to form and reentry into India’s top-10 ranks are seen as major milestones in his career.
Dhanush Srikanth Breaks World Record, Claims 10m Air Rifle Gold at Deaflympics for India
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