Indian Shooters Claim Bronze in 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team at ISSF World Cup

In a remarkable display of skill, Indian rifle shooters Sonam Uttam Maskar and Himanshu Dhillon clinched the bronze medal in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou, China. Their strong performances in the qualification rounds propelled them to the finals, where they showcased composure and teamwork. This achievement not only adds to India's medal tally but also highlights the athletes' dedication as they prepare for upcoming competitions like the Asian Games. Both shooters shared their experiences, emphasizing the importance of this victory for their future endeavors.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 28, 2026, 15:50 IST

India's Success at ISSF World Cup

Indian rifle shooters Sonam Uttam Maskar and Himanshu Dhillon achieved a remarkable feat by winning the bronze medal in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event at the ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun taking place in Hangzhou, China. This victory adds to India's impressive performance in the tournament.

Both teams from India showcased exceptional skills during the qualification round, allowing them to progress to the finals. Sonam Uttam Maskar scored 317.2, while Himanshu Dhillon scored 317.4, resulting in a combined qualification score of 634.6. Another Indian duo, Elavenil Valarivan and Parth Rakesh Mane, closely followed with a total score of 634.2.

In the final, Sonam and Himanshu maintained their composure, finishing with a total of 441.2 points (220.6 each), securing the bronze medal behind the two Chinese teams. Elavenil and Parth ended in fourth place with a score of 378.8 (Elavenil: 190.5, Parth: 188.3).

Athletes Share Their Thoughts

Sonam Uttam Maskar expressed her feelings about the competition, stating, "It was a challenging contest, and the overall experience was excellent. Winning a medal is crucial as it boosts our confidence for future competitions. Experience is key, and this performance will inspire us as we gear up for the Asian Games and World Championships later this year."

Himanshu Dhillon, who made his debut in a senior ISSF World Cup final, remarked, "Competing in my first senior World Cup final was an incredible experience. I had faith in myself, trusted my coach's advice, and relied on my strengths. Having participated in numerous junior finals, winning my first senior World Cup medal makes this achievement particularly meaningful."

Milestones for the Athletes

This podium finish is a significant milestone for 23-year-old Sonam Uttam Maskar from Kolhapur, Maharashtra. She previously earned silver medals at the ISSF World Cup in Cairo and the ISSF World Cup Final in New Delhi in 2024, along with a fifth-place finish at the ISSF World Cup in Granada, solidifying her status as one of India's leading rifle shooters.

For 20-year-old Himanshu Dhillon from Jind, Haryana, this bronze medal marks his first podium finish at the senior ISSF World Cup level. He had previously secured gold in the 10m Air Rifle Men Junior event at the ISSF Junior World Cup in New Delhi in 2025 and another gold at the Asian Shooting Championships.

With this bronze medal, India's overall medal tally at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou now stands at four medals: 1 Gold, 1 Silver, and 2 Bronze.