Picture Credit: Andrea Caroppo
India ended its impressive run at the ISSF World Cup Finals in Doha with six medals, showcasing depth and confidence across shooting disciplines.
Zoravar Singh Sandhu, a world championship bronze medalist, finished seventh in the men’s trap final after hitting seven of his first 10 targets, but the larger Indian contingent ensured the campaign concluded on a strong note.
India delivered two gold medals, marking its second-best performance ever at the prestigious season-ending competition.
Zoravar entered the eight-shooter final with a solid qualification score of 119 out of 125, securing the sixth spot under the updated ISSF rules that allow eight finalists instead of six.
However, he struggled to maintain rhythm during the 30-shot final and exited early alongside Italy’s Giovanni Pellielo. His performance, while below expectations, did not overshadow India’s broader achievements.
China topped the overall medal tally with four golds and nine total medals, while India secured second place.
The United States followed in third after clinching two gold medals in men’s trap and skeet on the final day.
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) lauded the Indian shooters in its official statement, highlighting their consistency and rise across multiple events.
Strong Finish for India
One of India’s standout moments came from Simranpreet Kaur Brar, who stunned a strong field to win gold in the women’s 25m pistol event.
Suruchi Phogat added another highlight by reclaiming the top position in the women’s 10m air pistol. Her win marked a triumphant return to form and reaffirmed her growing stature in global shooting.
India also achieved a historic milestone with its first-ever double podium finish at an ISSF World Cup Final.
Sainyam secured one of India’s three silver medals, joining Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions and Anish Bhanwala in the men’s 25m rapid-fire pistol as silver winners.
Samrat Rana, the reigning world champion in men’s 10m air pistol, contributed a bronze to complete India’s medal tally.
Debutants Suruchi Phogat and Sainyam created early excitement on the opening day in the women’s 10m air pistol final.
Suruchi shot a remarkable Junior World Record score of 245.1, leading an eight-woman final with authority and finishing 1.8 points ahead of Sainyam. China’s Yao Qianxun claimed bronze with 219.4.
India’s strong performance across pistol and rifle events demonstrated its expanding talent base and growing confidence ahead of major competitions.
The results cement India’s reputation as a rising force in global shooting sports.
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