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

Indian Shooters Shine at ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou

Hangzhou [China], July 28: Indian rifle shooters Sonam Uttam Maskar and Himanshu Dhillon clinched the bronze medal in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event during the ongoing ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun held in Hangzhou, China, further enhancing India's medal tally.

Both teams from India showcased impressive performances in the qualification round, successfully making it to the finals. Sonam Uttam Maskar scored 317.2, while Himanshu Dhillon achieved 317.4, resulting in a combined qualification score of 634.6.

Following closely were Elavenil Valarivan and Parth Rakesh Mane, who qualified with a total score of 634.2 (Elavenil: 316.8, Parth: 317.4).

In the final showdown, 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).

Commenting on their success, Sonam Uttam Maskar expressed, “The competition was intense, and the experience was enriching. Winning a medal boosts our confidence for future challenges. Experience is crucial, 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, shared, “Competing in my first senior World Cup final was an incredible experience. I had faith in myself, relied on my coach's advice, and focused on my strengths. Having participated in numerous junior finals, winning my first senior World Cup medal is particularly meaningful.”

This bronze medal marks a significant achievement 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 signifies his first podium finish at the senior ISSF World Cup level. He had earlier 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 latest achievement, India’s overall medal count at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou now stands at four (1 Gold, 1 Silver, and 2 Bronze).