Did India’s Rifle and Pistol Mixed Teams Miss Out on Medals in Ningbo?
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Synopsis
On the opening day of the ISSF World Cup in Ningbo, India’s rifle and pistol mixed teams fell short of securing medals. Despite strong performances, neither team advanced to the medal matches. With intense competition ahead, India hopes to turn their fortunes around in the upcoming events.
Key Takeaways
- India's mixed teams did not win medals in Ningbo.
- Strong performances were noted but fell short of medal matches.
- China's Qianxun Yao and Kai Hu won gold in the pistol event.
- Upcoming events hold promise for India's shooters.
- Focus on Men's 10m Air Pistol as a chance for medals.
New Delhi, Sep 9 (NationPress) On the inaugural day of the international shooting season’s fourth and final International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Rifle/Pistol stage at the Ningbo Olympic Sports Center, India's mixed teams in both the rifle and pistol events were unable to secure any medals, with neither pair advancing to the medal matches.
In the pistol mixed team event, the Indian pairs finished in 11th and 13th positions during qualification, while the rifle mixed teams placed 14th and 34th.
In the air pistol mixed team event, India's first pair, Surbhi Rao (284) and Amit Sharma (290), achieved a combined qualification score of 574-20x, concluding their efforts in 11th place. The second pair, Olympian Rhythm Sangwan (289) and Nishant Rawat (282), placed 13th with a score of 571-15x.
The gold medal was claimed by China's stellar pair, Qianxun Yao and Kai Hu, who dominated with a 17-5 victory over Czechia’s Veronika Schejbalova and Jindrich Dubovy. This victory marked back-to-back World Cup golds for the Chinese duo, following their success in Munich.
Hungary's Veronika Major and Akos Karoly Nagy secured the bronze by defeating the Neutral Athletes’ team of Iana Enina and Anton Aristarkhov with a score of 17-13.
In the air rifle mixed team event, India's Ramita Jindal (312.9) and Umamahesh Maddineni (315.7) scored 628.6, finishing in 14th place. Meanwhile, the second pair, Meghana M. Sajjanar (312.8) and Divyansh Singh Panwar (309.3), posted a score of 622.1, placing them 34th.
The final saw Norway's Jeanette Hegg Duestad and Jon-Hermann Hegg emerge victorious with a 15-9 win over China’s Xinlu Peng and Lihao Sheng, who broke the world record during qualification with a score of 636.9.
The Norwegian duo added this gold to their previous gold in Lima and bronze in Munich, while China's Peng and Sheng collected their second consecutive silver. Italy's Carlotta Salafia and Danilo Dennis Sollazzo completed the podium with a bronze medal.
India aims to begin its medal tally on Wednesday as Amit Sharma, Nishant Rawat, and Samrat Rana compete in the Men’s 10m Air Pistol event. The competition features a strong lineup of 65 athletes, including China’s World No.1 Hu Kai, who has clinched gold in the last three World Cups.
Other notable contenders include Neutral Athlete and World No.5 Anton Aristarkhov, World No.6 Jason Solari from Switzerland, and Brazil’s Felipe Almeida Wu, ranked at World No.8 and silver medalist in Lima.
Further depth comes from Paris Olympic medallists Federico Nilo Maldini (silver) and Paolo Monna (bronze) of Italy, along with Hungary’s Akos Karoly Nagy. Qualification commences at 7:15 AM IST, with finals set for 10 AM IST.
The Women’s 25m Pistol (Precision Stage) qualification is also scheduled for tomorrow, featuring Olympian Rahi Sarnobat, Abhidnya Ashok Patil, and Divya T.S. from India against a competitive field of 57.
This lineup includes Korea’s Yang Jiin, Paris Olympic gold medallist and World No.5, along with Olympic silver and bronze medallists Camille Jedrzejewski of France and Veronika Major of Hungary.
Also in the mix are World No.2 Yejin Oh of Korea, reigning Olympic champion in 10m Air Pistol, World No.3 Qianxun Yao of China, and World No.8 Haniyeh Rostamiyan of Iran.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the efforts of our athletes despite the setbacks at the ISSF World Cup in Ningbo. While the mixed teams did not secure medals, their participation on such a prestigious platform showcases their dedication and skill. The upcoming events provide an opportunity for redemption, and we stand firmly behind our athletes as they strive for excellence.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the results of India's mixed teams at the ISSF World Cup?
India's mixed teams in the rifle and pistol events did not secure medals, with placements of 11th and 13th in pistol and 14th and 34th in rifle.
Who won the gold medal in the mixed pistol event?
The gold medal was won by China’s Qianxun Yao and Kai Hu, who triumphed over Czechia’s Veronika Schejbalova and Jindrich Dubovy.
What upcoming events should we watch for India's shooters?
India's shooters, including Amit Sharma, Nishant Rawat, and Samrat Rana, will compete in the Men's 10m Air Pistol, with qualification starting at 7:15 AM IST.
Who are the key competitors in the Men's 10m Air Pistol event?
Key competitors include World No.1 Hu Kai from China, along with notable shooters from Brazil, Italy, and Hungary.
When will the Women’s 25m Pistol qualification take place?
The Women’s 25m Pistol (Precision Stage) qualification is set for tomorrow, featuring several Indian shooters.
