The 2006 Asian Games in Doha marked a golden era for Indian shooting, with the national contingent delivering a record-breaking haul of 14 medals, their best performance in the sport at the continental level up to that point.
Led by stalwarts like Abhinav Bindra, Gagan Narang, Samresh Jung, and Manavjit Singh Sandhu, Indian shooters displayed exceptional skill, focus, and consistency across rifle, pistol, and shotgun events. The team secured 3 gold, 5 silver, and 6 bronze medals, firmly establishing India as a dominant force in Asian shooting.
Among the standout performances, Samresh Jung emerged as a star, winning five medals, including two golds, and was named the Best Athlete of the Games — a first for any Indian at the Asian Games. Gagan Narang and Abhinav Bindra were instrumental in team and individual rifle events, while Manavjit Singh Sandhu led the charge in trap shooting.
The Doha performance was not only historic in terms of medal count but also set the foundation for future Olympic and World Cup successes. It reflected the rising standards of Indian shooting and the effectiveness of focused training and international exposure.
