Perfect Aim, Proud Nation: India’s Shooting Stars Shine Bright In Cairo!

The Indian shooting contingent scripted one of its finest moments at the ISSF World Championships 2025 in Cairo, Egypt. With Anish Bhanwala winning India’s first-ever medal in the men’s 25m rapid-fire pistol, Elavenil Valarivan clinching bronze in the women’s 10m air rifle, and Ravinder Singh striking gold in the 50m pistol, the event became a showcase of India’s rising precision, resilience, and pride. What made this achievement truly special was the diversity of success, from a young champion rewriting records to a seasoned Olympian proving her mettle again to a soldier balancing fatherhood and national glory. Together, they reflected the strength of Indian sport: discipline, patience, and heart.Anish Bhanwala: The Champion  Who Made HistoryFor Anish Bhanwala, the silver medal in the men’s 25m rapid-fire pistol wasn’t just a victory; it was redemption, growth, and a defining career milestone. The 22-year-old became the first Indian ever to win a medal in this event at the World Championships. His journey from finishing 13th at the Paris Olympics 2024 to standing on the podium in Cairo is a story of mental strength and perspective. Instead of letting disappointment weigh him down, Anish took a four-month break to reset, reflect, and return sharper. At Cairo, he displayed nerves of steel, surviving multiple shoot-offs and maintaining focus under immense pressure. Shooting a qualification score of 585-22x, he stormed into the final and battled his way to silver. His ability to stay calm in the face of shoot-offs and trust his technique showed not just his skill but also his maturity. For Anish, the silver wasn’t just a medal; it was proof that India belongs among the world’s best in rapid-fire shooting.Elavenil Valarivan: The Calm Sniper Who Fought with GraceIn another remarkable display, Elavenil Valarivan, a two-time Olympian and one of India’s most consistent rifle shooters, clinched bronze in the women’s 10m air rifle event. Her performance was a masterclass in focus and poise. At one point, she was leading the final and looked poised for gold, before a 10.0 on the 19th shot and a 9.9 on the 22nd shot saw her slip to third. Despite the heartbreak, her bronze stood as proof of resilience under pressure. She finished with a score of 232.0, behind South Korea’s Ban Hyojin (gold, 255.0) and China’s Wang Zifei (silver, 254.0). For Elavenil, who has seen both triumphs and near misses on the global stage, this medal was deeply emotional. It wasn’t just about podium finishes; it was about perseverance. Her sharp eye and calm composure continue to inspire the next generation of Indian shooters.Ravinder Singh: The Soldier Who Shot for GloryPerhaps the most emotional story came from Ravinder Singh, a 29-year-old Naik Subedar from the Indian Army, who struck gold in the men’s 50m pistol, a non-Olympic event. Competing against 47 of the world’s best shooters, Ravinder shot a superb 569 to take the top spot, ahead of South Korea’s Kim Cheongyong (556) and Anton Aristarkhov (556). His steady climb through the rounds, finishing with a brilliant 96, showed his grit and experience. What makes his story extraordinary is the human element—he had just become a father and had to spend over two weeks away from practice. With only a few days of preparation before leaving for Cairo, his determination and sense of duty carried him through. Ravinder’s medal wasn’t just a personal triumph; it was a symbol of the discipline of a soldier, the love of a father, and the pride of a nation. India’s Golden Future in ShootingThe ISSF World Championships 2025 marked a defining moment for Indian shooting. With medals across pistol and rifle events, India proved its growing dominance in global shooting circuits. From the confidence of youth in Anish to the experience of Elavenil to the composure of Ravinder, these performances showcased the depth and diversity of India’s shooting talent. The victory in Cairo sends a powerful message that India’s shooters are no longer just participants on the world stage; they are champions, record-breakers, and flag-bearers of excellence. As the tricolor rose in Cairo and the national anthem played, it wasn’t just about medals; it was about pride, hard work, and the power of dreams taking aim and hitting their mark. In the heart of Cairo, three Indians stood tall—a young star, a calm warrior, and a soldier-father—proving once again that when India takes aim, the world takes notice.