CM Nayab Saini Congratulates Sonam Maskar and Himanshu Dhillon on ISSF World Cup Bronze
Synopsis
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini congratulated shooters Sonam Maskar and Himanshu Dhillon on clinching a bronze medal in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event at the ISSF Shooting World Cup 2026, calling it a testament to their hard work and discipline.
Key Takeaways
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini congratulated Indian shooters Sonam Maskar and Himanshu Dhillon on 28 July 2026 .
The pair won a bronze medal in the 10-metre Air Rifle Mixed Team event at the ISSF Shooting World Cup 2026 .
Saini described the achievement as 'an example of hard work and discipline on the world stage.' Haryana runs an active state sports promotion programme with dedicated support for shooting athletes.
The mixed-team format is a key selection ground for India's shooting contingent ahead of major international championships.
A bronze medal on the world stage, and Haryana's Chief Minister was among the first to mark the moment. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday, 28 July 2026 extended his congratulations to the Indian pair of Sonam Maskar and Himanshu Dhillon after they clinched a bronze medal in the 10-metre Air Rifle Mixed Team event at the ISSF Shooting World Cup 2026.
Posting in Hindi on X, Saini wrote: 'हार्दिक बधाई एवं शुभकामनाएँ' — heartfelt congratulations and best wishes — calling the achievement 'an example of your hard work and discipline on the world stage.' He also wished the duo continued success in upcoming competitions.
A Haryana Connection to India's Shooting Rise
The congratulations carry more than ceremonial weight. Haryana has long punched above its weight in Indian shooting, running an active sports promotion programme that channels state resources into training infrastructure and athlete support. For a Chief Minister from the state, acknowledging a podium finish at an ISSF World Cup — the sport's premier annual circuit, governed by the International Shooting Sport Federation — is both a point of pride and a signal of continued institutional backing. The 10-metre Air Rifle Mixed Team format pairs one male and one female shooter, testing precision and composure under pressure across a combined series of shots. A bronze at this level places Maskar and Dhillon firmly in India's competitive shooting conversation heading into the next cycle of selection events.What the Podium Means for the Road Ahead
India's shooting contingent has steadily expanded its footprint across ISSF World Cup stages in recent years, and mixed-team events have become a key proving ground for combinations that could represent the country at major championships. The performance of Maskar and Dhillon will now be watched closely as national selectors weigh combinations for higher-stakes competitions ahead. Saini's public message — brief, warm, and directed squarely at the athletes — fits a now-familiar pattern among Indian state leaders who use social media to amplify sporting achievements and reinforce the state's identity as a cradle of champions. The message lands. The medal is real. And for two young shooters on a world stage, the Chief Minister's words are the kind of recognition that keeps the trigger finger steady.Point of View
And public acknowledgement of athlete achievements reinforces that brand. The post also signals that Maskar and Dhillon are now on the political radar — a status that can translate into state patronage and better training support. More broadly, the mixed-team format at ISSF World Cups has become a bellwether for India's depth in shooting, and a bronze here suggests the national pipeline remains productive. The message is short; the institutional subtext is not.
NationPress
28 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Sonam Maskar and Himanshu Dhillon?
Sonam Maskar and Himanshu Dhillon are Indian sport shooters who competed as a mixed team in the 10-metre Air Rifle event at the ISSF Shooting World Cup 2026, winning a bronze medal.
What is the ISSF Shooting World Cup?
The ISSF Shooting World Cup is the premier annual international shooting circuit organised by the International Shooting Sport Federation, featuring events across multiple disciplines including air rifle, air pistol, and shotgun.
What did Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini say about the ISSF bronze medal?
CM Nayab Singh Saini called the bronze medal 'an example of hard work and discipline on the world stage' and wished the pair continued success in upcoming competitions.
What is the 10-metre Air Rifle Mixed Team event?
The 10-metre Air Rifle Mixed Team event pairs one male and one female shooter who compete together, combining their scores across a series of precision shots at a target 10 metres away.
Does Haryana have a sports promotion programme for shooters?
Yes, Haryana maintains an active sports promotion programme that includes dedicated support for shooting athletes, which has helped the state produce several international-level competitors.
