With a series of consistent performances and two remarkable gold medal triumphs, India secured an impressive third-place finish at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup (Rifle/Pistol) held in Munich 2025. This event is renowned as one of the most competitive in the realm of international shooting sports.

Taking place at the historic Olympic Shooting Range from June 8-15, the Munich World Cup marked India’s third top-three finish this year across four world cups, bringing home two gold and two bronze medals. Not only did they improve from a joint third last year to a sole third place this year, but they also doubled their overall medal tally, including golds, compared to the previous Munich World Cup.

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“The Munich World Cup is a highlight of the international shooting calendar, taking place at the esteemed Olympic Shooting Range that hosted the sport during the 1972 Munich Olympics. It has once again showcased the excellence of our rifle and pistol shooters,” stated K Sultan Singh, Secretary General of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI).

He added, “Despite skepticism surrounding our athletes’ abilities given the competitive field and the absence of some of our top shooters, they have demonstrated the incredible depth of talent in Indian shooting. On behalf of the NRAI, I extend my congratulations to the entire team, including coaches and support staff, for their remarkable achievements, both in Munich and throughout the season.”

The standout performance for India in Munich, as well as throughout the international season, came from emerging women’s pistol star Suruchi Phogat. The young athlete from Haryana clinched her third consecutive individual ISSF World Cup stage gold in the women’s 10m air pistol, following her debut in Buenos Aires earlier this year.

In another remarkable highlight, Arya Rajesh Borse and Olympian Arjun Babuta triumphed over Chinese world record holders Sheng Lihao and Wang Zifei in the 10m air rifle mixed team final, winning decisively with a score of 17-7. Their impressive series of high scores demonstrated the growing strength and confidence of Indian shooters.

Elavenil Valarivan (women’s 10m air rifle), a two-time Olympian, and Sift Kaur Samra (women’s 50m rifle 3 positions), an Olympian and world record holder, also reaffirmed their status among the world’s elite shooters with bronze medal performances in Munich.

Elavenil set a new national qualification record of 635.9 en route to her bronze, while Suruchi equaled the national qualifications mark of 588 set by double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker in the women’s air pistol.

Continuing the trend this year, three Indian debutants at the World Cup in Munich delivered commendable performances against top international competitors. Rifle shooter Ananya Naidu achieved a solid score of 632.4, finishing 13th, while pistol shooters Nishant Rawat and Aditya Malra scored 582 and 578 to place 10th and 27th in the 10m air pistol events, respectively.

India reached the finals in seven out of ten events in Munich, with Manu (women’s 25m pistol), Varun Tomar (men’s 10m air pistol), and Chain Singh (men’s 3P) finishing sixth (both Manu and Varun) and seventh, showcasing India’s strength in the sport.

China topped the medal standings with seven medals, including four gold, while Norway edged India into third place based on a silver medal despite both nations winning the same number of golds.

Overall, 11 nations, including individual neutral athletes, secured medals in Munich. Next, the ISSF circuit moves to Lonato Del Garda, Italy, for the fourth Shotgun World Cup stage next month, while the final Rifle/Pistol World Cup is scheduled in Ningbo, China, in September.