Indian Shooters Come Close — Twice
In Cairo, at the 2025 edition of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Championships, the Indian contingent turned in strong performances — securing two major silver medals, while showcasing medal-winning potential across multiple disciplines.
Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar’s Silver & World-Record Entry
Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, a two-time Olympian and reigning Asian champion, featured prominently in the men’s 50 m Rifle Three Positions (3P) event. In the qualification round, he posted an exceptional 597 (with 40 x’s) — equaling the world record for qualification in this event.
In the final, Tomar shot a total of 466.9, just 0.2 points behind China’s Olympic champion Liu Yukun (467.1) to settle for silver.
Despite a brief lapse (an 8.6 score in one kneeling shot), his recovery in the prone and standing series nearly offset the deficit — making the gold decider down to the final shot.
This marks Tomar’s first senior individual World Championship medal, a milestone in his career.
Esha Singh & Samrat Rana: Mixed-Team Silver in Air Pistol
In the 10 m Air Pistol mixed team event, the Indian pair of Esha Singh and Samrat Rana impressed in qualification by topping the field with a combined score of 586 (both 293) — the best among all mixed pairs.
However, in the gold-medal match they were pitted against China’s top pair, Hu Kai & Yao Qianxun. After a tight start (tied 9-9 after nine rounds), the Chinese seized the next three rounds in succession and eventually won 16-10, leaving the Indians with silver.
Though they fell short of gold, the performance underscored India’s depth in pistol mixed events and the growing synergy between Esha and Samrat.
India’s Overall Standing & Significance
With these two silvers added to recent golds (including Samrat’s individual gold earlier), India continues to sit in the second position in the medal tally, behind China.
These results highlight several broader takeaways:
The breakthrough in the 50 m rifle 3P event (traditionally more challenging due to outdoor variables) is especially notable given Tomar’s near-record qualification and world-class final.
The mixed team air-pistol silver demonstrates India’s rising competence not only in individual events but in team formats as well.
Young shooters like Samrat Rana (20 years old) are making their mark, bridging the gap to the best in the world.
Latest Update
Samrat Rana recently clinched gold in the men’s 10 m air pistol event at the same Championships, becoming one of the first Indian pistol shooters to earn a world-champion title in an Olympic discipline.
With his gold, Samrat entered this mixed-team event already buoyed by momentum; his pairing with Esha carried confidence into the final.
India’s tally currently stands at 3 golds, 5 silvers, 3 bronzes, reflecting a strong campaign.
For Tomar, the silver and world-record-tied qualification mark elevate expectations heading into upcoming international competitions including the Olympics.
What to Watch Next
Whether Tomar can convert his near-gold performance into the top podium spot in upcoming events — especially given his current form.
How the mixed pistol team pairing of Esha & Samrat evolves: can they clinch that elusive gold next time?
Whether India can continue to challenge China’s dominance in rifle and pistol disciplines — and possibly surpass them in future global meets.
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