CM Rekha Gupta Congratulates Shooters on ISSF World Cup Bronze
Synopsis
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta congratulated Sonam Maskar and Himanshu Dhillon on winning a bronze medal in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event at the ISSF Shooting World Cup 2026, calling their achievement a matter of national pride.
Key Takeaways
Sonam Maskar and Himanshu Dhillon won a bronze medal in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event at the ISSF Shooting World Cup 2026 .
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta publicly congratulated the pair on 28 July 2026 via X.
The ISSF is the global governing body for shooting sports and runs the World Cup qualification circuit.
ISSF World Cup results feed directly into 2028 Los Angeles Olympics qualification rankings.
The 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team format pairs one male and one female shooter in a combined precision event.
A bronze medal in the ISSF Shooting World Cup 2026 — and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was among the first to mark the moment. On Tuesday, 28 July 2026, Gupta took to X to congratulate Indian shooters Sonam Maskar and Himanshu Dhillon on their podium finish in the 10-metre Air Rifle Mixed Team event.
Gupta wrote, 'ISSF शूटिंग विश्व कप 2026 की 10 मीटर एयर राइफल मिश्रित टीम स्पर्धा में कांस्य पदक जीतने पर सोनम मस्कर और हिमांशु ढिल्लों को हार्दिक बधाई' — 'Heartfelt congratulations to Sonam Maskar and Himanshu Dhillon on winning the bronze medal in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event at the ISSF Shooting World Cup 2026.' She added that their achievement 'has raised the honour of the nation' and extended best wishes for upcoming competitions.
A discipline where India punches above its weight
The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), the global governing body for the sport, runs a World Cup circuit that doubles as a crucial proving ground for Olympic qualification. The 10-metre Air Rifle Mixed Team format — pairing one male and one female shooter — has become one of the marquee events on that circuit, blending individual precision with coordinated team strategy. India has invested steadily in this discipline, and results at successive World Cup stages directly shape the country's standing in the Olympic qualification rankings.Maskar and Dhillon on the podium
For Sonam Maskar and Himanshu Dhillon, the bronze represents a tangible step on a longer road. ISSF World Cup medals carry weight beyond the ceremony: they signal form, build ranking points, and sharpen competitive readiness ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics qualification cycle. Indian political leaders routinely acknowledge shooting medals publicly — a recognition that the sport, once a niche pursuit, now commands mainstream national attention. The next test for the Indian shooting contingent will come at the remaining ISSF World Cup stages, where every result feeds directly into the Olympic qualification picture.Point of View
The gesture also signals the BJP's broader effort to be seen as a patron of sporting achievement at every level of government. The real significance of the Maskar-Dhillon bronze lies beyond the ceremony: at this stage of the Olympic cycle, World Cup podiums are currency in the qualification race for Los Angeles 2028. How consistently India's mixed team pairs convert this form into quota places will be the metric that matters most.
NationPress
29 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Sonam Maskar and Himanshu Dhillon?
Sonam Maskar and Himanshu Dhillon are Indian sport shooters who won a bronze medal together in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event at the ISSF Shooting World Cup 2026.
What is the ISSF Shooting World Cup?
The ISSF Shooting World Cup is an annual international circuit organised by the International Shooting Sport Federation, the global governing body for shooting sports. It serves as a key qualification pathway for the Olympics.
What did Delhi CM Rekha Gupta say about the medal?
CM Rekha Gupta offered 'heartfelt congratulations' to both shooters, saying their achievement 'has raised the honour of the nation,' and wished them success in upcoming competitions.
What is the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event?
The 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event pairs one male and one female shooter who compete together as a unit, combining their scores in a precision shooting format over a distance of 10 metres.
Why do ISSF World Cup results matter for Indian shooters?
ISSF World Cup results contribute to international rankings and are part of the qualification pathway for the Olympic Games. Strong performances in 2026 directly influence India's prospects at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
