Sonam and Himanshu Secure Bronze in 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team at ISSF World Cup

Kohima, India Jul 29, 2026 ALN: HANGZHOU, JUL 28: Indian rifle shooters Sonam Uttam Maskar and Himanshu Dhillon secured the bronze medal in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event at the ongoing ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun, adding another podium finish to India’s campaign. This accomplishment not only highlights the individual talents of the shooters but also reflects the growing prowess of Indian shooting sports on the global stage.

The ISSF World Cup is a prestigious event that attracts top shooters from around the world, providing a platform for athletes to showcase their skills and compete for medals. The 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event, in particular, has gained prominence in recent years, allowing male and female shooters to collaborate and compete as a team. This format not only enhances the excitement of the competition but also encourages greater participation from both genders in shooting sports.

Both Indian teams delivered strong performances in the qualification round to advance to the final. Sonam (317.2) and Himanshu (317.4) combined for an aggregate qualification score of 634.6 points, demonstrating their ability to handle pressure and perform consistently under competitive conditions. This score placed them comfortably in the final, showcasing their skill and preparation leading up to the event.

Meanwhile, the pair of Elavenil Valarivan (316.8) and Parth Rakesh Mane (317.4) qualified right behind them with a total score of 634.2. The close scores between the two Indian teams indicate a healthy level of competition within the country, which is essential for the development of shooters. Such internal competition pushes athletes to improve and strive for excellence, ultimately benefitting the national team as a whole.

In the final, Sonam and Himanshu produced a composed performance to combine for 441.2 points (220.6 each), securing the bronze medal behind China 1 and China 2. The Chinese teams demonstrated exceptional skill and consistency, which is characteristic of their dominance in shooting sports. Elavenil and Parth finished fourth with a final score of 378.8 (Elavenil: 190.5, Parth: 188.3), narrowly missing out on a podium finish. This result underscores the competitive nature of the event and the high caliber of shooters participating.

Reflecting on the medal win, Sonam said, “It was a tough competition, and the overall experience was very good. Winning a medal is always important because it gives us confidence for the assignments ahead. Experience matters more than anything, and this performance will motivate us as we prepare for the Asian Games and the World Championships later this season.” Her remarks emphasize the psychological aspect of competition, where gaining confidence from such achievements can play a crucial role in an athlete's future performances.

Making his first-ever senior ISSF World Cup final appearance, Himanshu added, “It was a great experience competing in my first senior World Cup final. I believed in myself, trusted my coach’s guidance and relied on my strengths. I’ve competed in many junior finals, but winning my first senior World Cup medal makes this achievement very special.” His experience illustrates the transition many young athletes face when moving from junior to senior levels, where the stakes are higher and the competition more intense. This achievement not only marks a significant milestone in his career but also sets the stage for future successes.

Sonam previously won silver medals at the ISSF World Cup in Cairo and the ISSF World Cup Final in New Delhi in 2024, alongside a fifth-place finish at the ISSF World Cup Granada, cementing her reputation as one of India’s top rifle shooters. Her consistent performance across various international platforms showcases her dedication and skill, making her a key figure in Indian shooting sports. For 20-year-old Himanshu, the bronze medal represents his maiden senior ISSF World Cup podium. His previous accomplishments, including a gold in the 10m Air Rifle Men Junior event at the ISSF Junior World Cup in New Delhi in 2025 and another gold at the Asian Shooting Championships, indicate a promising future ahead.

The bronze medal takes India’s overall tally at the ISSF World Cup Hangzhou to four medals (1 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze). This achievement is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the athletes, coaches, and support staff involved in the shooting sports ecosystem in India. The success at this event is likely to inspire a new generation of shooters and promote the sport further within the country.

India has been making significant strides in shooting sports over the last decade, with numerous athletes emerging as world-class competitors. The country’s investment in training facilities, coaching, and international exposure has contributed to this growth. The Indian government's initiatives to promote sports, including shooting, have also played a vital role in nurturing talent and providing the necessary resources for athletes to excel.

As the shooting season progresses, the focus will shift towards upcoming events, including the Asian Games and the World Championships. These competitions will serve as critical platforms for athletes to test their skills against the best in the world and further establish India’s position in the global shooting sports arena. The performances of Sonam and Himanshu at the ISSF World Cup will undoubtedly serve as motivation for their peers and a benchmark for aspiring shooters in India.

In conclusion, the bronze medal secured by Sonam Uttam Maskar and Himanshu Dhillon in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event at the ISSF World Cup is a significant achievement not only for the athletes but also for Indian shooting sports as a whole. It reflects the hard work, dedication, and talent present within the country and sets the stage for future successes on the international front. As the athletes prepare for their upcoming competitions, the experience gained from this event will be invaluable in their quest for further glory.