Did Samrat Rana Make History with Gold in Men’s 10m Air Pistol in Cairo?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Samrat Rana has made waves in the shooting world by becoming the first Indian to win the gold medal in the men’s 10m air pistol at the ISSF World Championships held in Cairo. This extraordinary achievement highlights India's growing prowess in shooting sports and sets the stage for future Olympic aspirations.
Key Takeaways
- Samrat Rana became the first Indian to win gold in men's 10m air pistol at the ISSF World Championships.
- He scored 243.7, edging out China's Hu Kai by 0.4 points.
- Varun Tomar also secured bronze, contributing to India's success.
- Rana's victory highlights India's growing prowess in shooting sports.
- This achievement sets a positive precedent for India's participation in future Olympic events.
Cairo, Nov 10 (NationPress) Samrat Rana has made history by securing the gold medal in the men’s 10m air pistol event at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Championship Rifle/Pistol held in Cairo on Monday, marking the first time an Indian has won the individual air pistol world title.
Competing in his inaugural senior World Championships, Rana showcased remarkable composure in a thrilling final, achieving a score of 243.7, narrowly edging out China's Hu Kai by 0.4 points. His fellow Indian, Varun Tomar, also made headlines by securing the bronze medal with a score of 221.7, giving India a double podium finish.
“It’s hard to believe. Winning gold in my first senior World C’ships feels surreal,” Rana expressed, as reported by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI). “I concentrated on my technique, avoided looking at the screen, and aimed to replicate my process.”
With this victory, Rana joins an elite club of only five Indian shooters who have won world titles in Olympic events, alongside the notable names of Abhinav Bindra, Rudrankksh Patil, Tejaswini Sawant, and the mixed team duo of Shiva Narwal and Esha Singh.
The 22-year-old began the final strongly, leading by 0.3 points after the first two-shot elimination round. However, he briefly fell to third place with a score of 181.2, just trailing Tomar. Demonstrating exceptional focus, Rana surged back with two perfect shots of 10.9 in the next six shots, reclaiming control of the match.
In a nail-biting finish, Rana needed a minimum score of 10.3 on his final shot to win against Hu Kai — he delivered a score of 10.6, thereby clinching the gold.
Earlier in the day, both Rana and Tomar excelled in the qualification round, each scoring 586, with Rana leading. Together with Shravan Kumar (582), they secured the men's 10m air pistol team gold medal for India.
Nevertheless, it wasn't a flawless day for India. Paris 2024 Olympic medalists Manu Bhaker and Swapnil Kusale faced challenges, with Bhaker leading until an 8.8 on her 14th shot dropped her to seventh place, while Esha Singh finished sixth after an 8.4 on her 16th shot.
In the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions, Kusale faced an early exit with a score of 575 in the elimination round. However, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar (592) and Niraj Kumar (592) successfully advanced to the qualification stage.
Point of View
Samrat Rana's victory at the ISSF World Championships is a testament to the burgeoning talent in Indian shooting sports. This win underscores the importance of continued investment in training and resources for our athletes. As India continues to excel on the global stage, it is crucial to support and empower athletes like Rana, who not only bring glory to the nation but also inspire future generations to pursue excellence in sports.
NationPress
12/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Samrat Rana?
Samrat Rana is a talented Indian shooter who recently made history by winning the gold medal in the men's 10m air pistol event at the ISSF World Championships in Cairo.
What is the ISSF World Championships?
The ISSF World Championships is a prestigious international shooting competition organized by the International Shooting Sport Federation, featuring top shooters from around the world.
What does this win mean for India?
Samrat Rana's victory marks a significant milestone for Indian shooting sports, being the first individual air pistol world title for the country, and it boosts India's prospects for the upcoming Olympics.
What other achievements does Rana have?
Rana is now part of an elite group of five Indian shooters who have won world titles in Olympic events, joining the ranks of notable shooters like Abhinav Bindra.
How did Rana perform in the competition?
Rana exhibited exceptional skill and composure, finishing the final with a score of 243.7, narrowly defeating China's Hu Kai to secure the gold.
