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Sports

Shooting World Cup: Aishwary Tomar and Niraj Kumar miss podium as India’s shooting medal wait continues

hellohimachalse@gmail.com 27 Jul 2026 27 Jul 2026

New Delhi: India’s wait for another medal at the ISSF World Cup continued after rifle shooters Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar and Niraj Kumar failed to finish on the podium despite making it to the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions final.

Both shooters showed strong form during qualification but could not repeat those performances when it mattered most. Aishwary, a world championship silver medallist, finished sixth in the final with a score of 314.3 while Asian Championships silver medallist Niraj ended seventh with 303.4.

China’s Olympic champion Zhang Changhong delivered a record-breaking performance to win gold with a world record score of 363. Hungary’s Istvan Peni claimed silver while Matvei Potapov, competing as an Individual Neutral Athlete, took bronze.

Strong qualification, disappointing final

Niraj had been one of India’s standout performers in qualification, producing an impressive 595 to finish second. He matched Zhang Changhong’s score but was placed behind on countback. Aishwary secured his place in the final after scoring 589 while former world champion Rudrankksh Patil missed the final after finishing 18th with 587.

Despite having two shooters in the final, India could not end their medal drought in the event and remain with just one medal at the tournament.

Women’s Pistol team carries India’s hopes

The focus now shifts to the women’s 25m pistol competition, where India’s shooters are in contention for a place in the final. Esha Singh put herself in a strong position after finishing third in the precision stage with 293 points, while double Olympic bronze medallist Manu Bhaker followed closely in fifth with 292.

Veteran shooter Rahi Sarnobat also remains in the hunt after scoring 289 and will need a strong rapid-fire stage to secure a final spot.

India’s only medal so far has come from Sainyam, who won silver in the women’s 10m air pistol. Meanwhile, China continues to dominate the event with 13 medals including six golds, leaving India tied for seventh place alongside Japan, Spain and Hungary.

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