Cairo’s shooting ranges echoed with Indian cheers as Shambhavi Kheersagar and Divyanshu Devangan etched their names in history by winning gold in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team at the ISSF Junior World Cup. Their final score of 499.9 not only secured the medal but also established a new junior world record, highlighting India’s rising prowess in international shooting.
Qualifying with a flawless 632.0, the pair entered the final as favorites and delivered under pressure. Silver went to Chinese Taipei’s Tsai Chi-Hying and Chen Yu-An (498.3), with France’s Tiffen Pomes and Gaspard Lesieur earning bronze (434.4). This victory marks India’s fourth gold, boosting their total to 12 medals and maintaining their top spot on the leaderboard with two days remaining.
Reflecting on recent successes, Prachi Gaikwad dominated the Junior Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions, becoming the only Indian in the final and clinching gold. Shiv Narwal’s gold in 10m Air Pistol on April 21 set the tone, complemented by Narayan Pranav’s bronze in Junior Men’s 10m Air Rifle.
Meanwhile, in the high-octane Junior Men’s 25m Rapid-Fire Pistol, Sameer advanced to the final with 573 but ended seventh, managing seven hits in the initial three series of the eight-series showdown. Frenchman Arnold Gamaleri stole the show, matching the junior world record at 589 and sealing gold with 29 hits.
As the tournament progresses, India’s junior shooters are proving unstoppable, blending skill, strategy, and sheer determination to dominate the global stage.
