Hangzhou, 28 July (H.S.): Indian shooters Sonam Uttam Maskar and Himanshu Dhillon added another medal to the country’s tally at the ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun competition in Hangzhou, China, by winning the bronze medal in the 10m air rifle mixed team event.

The Indian duo secured the third position in the final with a combined score of 441.2 points (220.6-220.6). China’s two teams claimed the gold and silver medals in the event.

The Indian shooters also delivered a strong performance in the qualification round. Sonam (317.2) and Himanshu (317.4) combined to score 634.6 points and secured their place in the final. Another Indian pair, Elavenil Valarivan (316.8) and Parth Rakesh Mane (317.4), also qualified for the final after scoring 634.2 points.

In the final, Sonam and Himanshu displayed composure under pressure to secure the bronze medal, while Elavenil and Parth finished fourth with a score of 378.8 points, with Elavenil contributing 190.5 and Parth scoring 188.3.

After winning the medal, Sonam Uttam Maskar said the competition was highly challenging and that the achievement would boost her confidence ahead of the upcoming Asian Games and World Championships. She added that the experience gained on a major international stage would prove valuable in future competitions.

Himanshu Dhillon, who competed in his first senior ISSF World Cup final, described the achievement as a memorable milestone. He said that guidance from his coach and confidence in his own abilities helped him succeed, and winning his maiden senior World Cup medal was a special moment for him.

The 23-year-old Maharashtra shooter Sonam Uttam Maskar had earlier won silver medals at the 2024 Cairo World Cup and the New Delhi World Cup Final. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Himanshu Dhillon from Haryana secured his first senior ISSF World Cup medal. Earlier, he had won gold medals at the 2025 Junior World Cup and the Asian Shooting Championship.

With this bronze medal, India’s medal tally at the Hangzhou ISSF World Cup has risen to four, including one gold, one silver and two bronze medals.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar