Indian Shooters Claim Bronze in 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team at ISSF World Cup
Indian Shooters Shine at ISSF World Cup
File image of Himanshu Dhillon and Sonam Maskar(Photo: @India_AllSports/X)
Hangzhou, July 28: Indian rifle shooters Sonam Uttam Maskar and Himanshu Dhillon have clinched the bronze medal in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event at the ongoing ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun, contributing to India's successful campaign.
Both teams from India showcased impressive performances during the qualification round, allowing them to reach the finals. Sonam scored 317.2 and Himanshu 317.4, resulting in a combined qualification score of 634.6 points.
Following closely were Elavenil Valarivan (316.8) and Parth Rakesh Mane (317.4), who qualified with a total of 634.2 points.
In the final, Sonam and Himanshu maintained their composure, achieving a combined score of 441.2 points (220.6 each), which earned them the bronze medal, finishing behind the two teams from China. Elavenil and Parth ended in fourth place with a score of 378.8 (Elavenil: 190.5, Parth: 188.3).
Commenting on their achievement, Sonam expressed, "The competition was intense, and the experience was very rewarding. Securing a medal is crucial as it boosts our confidence for future challenges. Experience is key, and this performance will inspire us as we gear up for the Asian Games and World Championships later this year."
Himanshu, 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 my abilities, trusted my coach's advice, and leaned on my strengths. Having participated in numerous junior finals, winning my first senior World Cup medal makes this moment particularly special."
Sonam has 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 the 20-year-old Himanshu, this bronze medal marks his first podium finish at the senior ISSF World Cup level. He had earlier won gold in the 10m Air Rifle Men Junior event at the ISSF Junior World Cup in New Delhi in 2025 and added 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 (1 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze).