New Delhi, April 8 (NationPress) India’s rising shooting sensation Suruchi made an impressive debut on the global stage by clinching a prestigious gold medal on the sixth day of competition at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun in Argentina 2025. This remarkable achievement marked the emergence of a new talent in the international arena as the young athlete dazzled a highly competitive field in the women’s 10m air pistol event to secure India’s third gold of the tournament.

The national champion across all three individual categories, Suruchi achieved a score of 244.6 in the final, outperforming the renowned Chinese shooter Qian Wei by a significant margin of 2.7 points. Former Olympic champion and double Tokyo Olympics medalist Jiang Ranxin had to settle for bronze.

The day began with a strong lineup, featuring exceptional talents such as Paris Olympics Mixed Team champion Zorana Arunovic from Serbia, Germany’s reigning 25m world champion Doreen Vennekamp, and Hungary’s bronze medalist from the Paris Olympics, Veronika Major. Despite the fierce competition, Suruchi showcased her newfound confidence by scoring an impressive 583 in the qualifications, securing the top position.

Jiang finished just a point behind her, leading a trio of Chinese competitors into the finals. Doreen narrowly edged out Veronika and Manu Bhaker (a double Olympic medalist) to claim the eighth and final qualifying spot.

Other notable finalists included Olympians Choo Gaeun from Korea and Sara Fabian from Hungary. Additionally, experienced Hong Kong shooter Ho Ching Shing made her first appearance in a World Cup final.

Manu (574) fought valiantly, posting a remarkable 100 in her third series, raising hopes for a podium finish. However, inconsistent performances in her earlier series (both scoring 94) ultimately hindered her as she finished in 11th place. Another Indian contender, Sainyam, finished 13th with a score of 572.

In pursuit of gold, Qian opened with a stunning 10.9 on her first shot of the 24-shot final, while Suruchi began her performance with a 10.1. Despite a few lower scores, the Indian shooter gradually found her rhythm. As eliminations began, she fired impressive shots of 10.7 and 10.8, taking the lead for the first time after her 13th shot.

It was a thrilling moment as a trio of Chinese competitors attempted to overtake her, but the determined shooter from Haryana held her ground, finishing with scores of 10.1, 10.7, 10.8, and a solid 10.0, earning her first ISSF medal.

Suruchi’s final shots included: 10.1, 10.8, 9.7, 9.3, 10.0, 10.8, 10.7, 10.5, 10.1, 8.9, 10.7 (joint 2nd), 10.8, 10.1 (lead), 10.3, 10.3, 10.4, 9.7, 9.8, 10.6, 9.4, 10.1, 10.7, 10.8, 10.0 = 244.6.