Sainyam Vij Celebrates Silver Medal at ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou

A Rewarding Achievement After a Challenging Year

Sainyam Vij from India expressed that her silver medal at the ISSF World Cup held in Hangzhou, China, symbolizes the culmination of her hard work and determination following a tough 2025 season. She noted that this podium finish has bolstered her confidence as she prepares for the upcoming World Championships later this year.

In a press statement, the Chandigarh shooter, who secured India's inaugural medal at this World Cup, shared that reaching the finals was a significant achievement, especially after not qualifying for any finals last year. "This medal is incredibly special to me as it marks my first ISSF World Cup medal at the senior level. After such a long wait, it means a lot, especially considering last year's challenges where I couldn't make it to any finals," Sainyam remarked after her silver-medal performance.

Concentration During the Final

Despite facing a tough competition that included an Olympic champion, the current world No. 1, and two Chinese shooters competing on their home turf, Sainyam maintained her focus on her own performance. "I didn’t think about my opponents; my only goal was to execute my plan and give my best. The best performer deserves to win," she stated.

Sainyam had a slow start in the final, scoring 49.7 and placing fifth initially. However, she bounced back impressively in the second series, achieving the highest score of 51.9, which allowed her to tie with China's Qianxun at the top. She remained in contention for a medal, trailing Qianxun by just 0.6 points before the final series. Although she finished strong with scores of 10.6 and 10.7, which surpassed Qianxun's 10.3 and 10.4, the gap was too significant to close, and she ended up 0.2 points behind.

Uplifting Team Spirit

The silver medalist expressed hope that her achievement would inspire the rest of the Indian team. "Everyone is thrilled that we finally secured a medal. It motivates us all, proving that victory is possible," she commented.

Acknowledgment of Coaching Support

Sainyam credited her national coach and Olympian, Samaresh Jung, for his crucial role in her development, particularly in enhancing her technical skills and mental resilience. "We share a strong bond as coach and athlete. He has significantly aided my technical and mental training, motivating and guiding me along the right path," she concluded.