Cairo, November 11 (Sports Desk): Indian shooter Samrat Rana created history by clinching the gold medal in the men’s 10 m air pistol at the ISSF World Championship 2025, giving India its first-ever gold in the event.
The Samrat Rana gold ISSF achievement places India among the elite shooting nations, marking a milestone for Indian sports on the global stage.
How Rana Dominated the Finals
Facing a field stacked with Olympic veterans from China, Korea, and Germany, Rana maintained unwavering composure.
He scored 245.9 points, edging past South Korea’s Park Jong-Hyun (244.7) and Germany’s Andre Link (224.5).
National coach Ronak Pandit called the victory “a reflection of years of systemic investment in shooting talent.”
The Road to Gold
Born in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, Rana began training at age 13. His consistent performance at junior nationals and the Asian Cup earned him a senior berth.
Rana credits his success to the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and India’s growing ecosystem of private shooting academies.
“Every shot was a test of nerve. I dedicated this medal to my country and my late coach,” he told Huff India.
India’s Rise in Shooting
India’s shooting federation has prioritised data analytics, sports science, and mental conditioning, helping athletes sustain peak form.
In 2025, India fielded its largest-ever ISSF contingent (43 athletes across 12 events). Rana’s victory now places India third in the medal tally.
Reactions and National Pride
President Droupadi Murmu congratulated him on social media, calling the feat “a golden moment in Indian sports”.
Prime Minister Modi added,
“Samrat Rana’s triumph showcases India’s sporting potential and discipline.”
What This Means for Paris 2028
The gold ensures India an automatic qualification spot for the 2028 Paris Olympics. Rana will now train under the Sports Authority of India’s special precision-shooting programme.
Analysts note that with consistent government and corporate support, India could realistically aim for multiple shooting medals at Paris 2028.
Conclusion
Samrat Rana’s golden gunshot will echo in India’s sporting history for decades. His victory is not just an individual triumph; it’s a symbol of a nation finally mastering focus, technology, and belief on the global sporting stage.
