History Made! Samrat Rana Wins ISSF World Championship Gold, Tomar Nabs Bronze In Men's 10m Air Pistol

Young Indian shooting prodigy Samrat Rana delivered a sensational performance to clinch gold in the men’s 10m air pistol at the ISSF World Championships on Monday, marking one of India’s standout moments

in recent shooting history.

The 21-year-old from Karnal displayed nerves of steel in a tense final, shooting an exceptional 243.7 to edge past China’s Hu Kai (243.3) in a thrilling duel that went down to the final shot.

Ridiculously cool last shot from Samrat Rana for a World Championship gold

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India’s Varun Tomar, hailing from Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, added to the joy with a bronze medal, finishing with 221.7 after a fiercely contested battle that saw the lead switch hands multiple times.

Samrat’s win also provided a morale boost to the Indian contingent following a tough day in the women’s events.

Heartbreak for Bhaker, Esha

In contrast, double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and Asian Games star Esha Singh endured heartbreak in the women’s 10m air pistol final. Both were in strong contention before faltering at crucial moments. Manu, who was leading at one stage, fired a costly 8.8 on her 14th shot, dropping from the top spot to finish seventh (139.5). Esha too suffered a late meltdown, following a perfect 10.7 with an 8.4 to end sixth.

Team Silver For India

Despite the individual disappointments, India found solace in the team silver, with Esha (583), Manu (580), and world No.1 Suruchi Inder Singh (577) combining for 1740 points, securing second place behind China.

China’s Yao Qianxun (243.0) won gold in the women’s event, followed by Ho Ching Shing (241.2) and Wei Qian (221.4).

With Samrat’s gold and the women’s team silver, India’s medal tally rose to one gold, four silvers, and two bronzes, placing them fifth overall — behind leaders China, who continue to dominate with six golds.

(with PTI inputs)