How Did Indian Shooters Excel in Munich with Two Golds and Two Bronzes?

New Delhi, June 17 (NationPress) The Indian pistol and rifle shooters delivered outstanding performances at the recently held ISSF World Cup 2025 in Munich, bringing home a total of four medals: two gold and two bronze. This remarkable feat secured India an impressive third position in the overall points standings, just behind China and Norway.

India's medal journey commenced with two-time Olympian Elavenil Valarivan, who captured a bronze medal in the women's 10m air rifle event. The 25-year-old athlete showcased her exceptional ability by scoring 231.2 in the final. Prior to this, Valarivan had set a new national record during the qualification round with an incredible score of 635.9.

Another bronze medal was added to India's collection by Sift Kaur Samra in the women's 50m rifle 3 positions event. This 23-year-old holds the current world record in her category, achieved during the 2022 Asian Games with a score of 469.6. She secured her podium finish with a total of 453.1, following her gold medal win in the same event at the 2025 ISSF World Cup in Buenos Aires earlier this year.

The first gold medal for India came from young talent Suruchi Singh in the women's 10m air pistol competition. The 19-year-old exhibited remarkable composure, achieving a total score of 241.9 in the final, thus claiming the top podium position. This victory marks Suruchi's third consecutive gold at an ISSF World Cup this year, having previously triumphed in both Buenos Aires and Lima, solidifying her status as a dominant force.

"Winning my third consecutive ISSF World Cup gold feels surreal," said Suruchi Singh. "The competition in Munich was fierce, but I concentrated on my technique and maintained my composure. I am immensely grateful for the support from my coaches and the entire team. I eagerly anticipate winning more medals and making my country proud," she added.

India's gold medal tally was further enhanced by the strong partnership of Arjun Singh Babuta and Arya Borse in the 10m air rifle mixed team event. They executed a stellar performance in the final, overpowering China's team of Wang Zifei and Sheng Lihao with a decisive score of 17-7. Earlier, the Indian duo had showcased their skill by scoring 635.2 in the qualification round, just shy of the Chinese team's new qualification world record of 635.9.

The President of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, expressed pride in the exceptional accomplishments of the Indian athletes and extended his best wishes, promising continued support from the NRAI.

"We are extremely proud of our shooters' extraordinary achievements at the ISSF World Cup in Munich. Their dedication and hard work consistently bring honor to the nation. We remain committed to supporting our athletes as they aim for even greater success," Singh stated.

He expressed excitement about the upcoming inaugural Shooting League of India, saying, "With our shooters making the nation proud globally, we are thrilled to see them in action when the first edition of the Shooting League of India starts later this year, allowing them to perform on home soil alongside many international stars."

A total of 36 members comprised the Indian contingent participating in the third ISSF World Cup of the year in Munich. Previously, India had secured eight medals—four gold, two silver, and two bronze—in the Buenos Aires edition, and seven medals—two gold, four silver, and one bronze—in Lima. The next leg of the 2025 ISSF World Cup is scheduled to take place in Ningbo, China, in September.