Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Dec 8: India wrapped up their second-best performance ever at an ISSF World Cup Finals with six medals, including two golds, despite a subdued final outing by world championship bronze medallist Zorawar Singh Sandhu. Competing in the men’s trap final at Doha’s Lusail Shooting Complex, Zorawar managed seven hits in his first 10 targets and eventually finished seventh.

Zorawar, India’s lone representative on the concluding Shotgun Day, qualified for the final with a score of 119 out of 125, placing sixth under the ISSF’s expanded eight-shooter final format. In the demanding 30-shot final, he struggled to find rhythm and exited early along with Italy’s Giovanni Pellielo.

China topped the overall medal table with four golds and nine medals, followed by India, while the United States secured third place after winning double gold in men’s trap and skeet.

India’s campaign featured several memorable performances. Simranpreet Kaur Brar clinched gold in the women’s 25m pistol, while Suruchi Phogat returned to the top with victory in the women’s 10m air pistol. India also achieved its first-ever double podium finish at an ISSF World Cup Final, with Sainyam earning one of India’s three silver medals. Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar (men’s 50m rifle 3 positions) and Anish Bhanwala (men’s 25m rapid-fire pistol) claimed the other silvers.

Samrat Rana, the reigning world champion in men’s 10m air pistol, secured India’s lone bronze.

Making a remarkable debut, Suruchi Phogat and Sainyam stole the spotlight on the opening day in Doha, winning gold and silver respectively in the 10m air pistol women’s event. Suruchi shot a Junior World Record of 245.1 in the final, finishing 1.8 points ahead of her senior teammate. China’s Yao Qianxun took bronze with 219.4.