India, Sept. 4 -- When Rahi Sarnobat boards the flight to Japan later this month for her third Asian Games, she will have marked a significant personal milestone. Having almost quit the sport four years ago due to neuropathic pain syndrome, Rahi, over 18 excruciating months, found the wherewithal to push her mind and body enough to make it to the Indian team alongside young stars Manu Bhaker and Esha Singh.

"It still feels like a dream," Rahi said. "To suddenly lose your skills one day, struggle to get through your days, unlearn, relearn, and somehow be good enough to compete for India... it's a rebirth of sorts."

A gold medallist in the 2018 edition, Rahi remains the only Indian to win an individual 25m pistol gold at the Asiad. The In...