Doha, Dec 6 – Talented Indian shooter Suruchi Singh delivered a remarkable performance at the ISSF World Cup Final, clinching the gold medal in the women's 10m air pistol event. Compatriot Sainyam also shone brightly, securing the silver medal, marking a significant achievement for India on the opening day of the prestigious competition.
Suruchi's victory was highlighted by a score of 245.1 in the final, demonstrating her skill and composure under pressure. Sainyam, the former junior world champion, secured the silver with a score of 243.3, contributing to India's impressive start. Manu Bhaker, a double Olympic bronze medalist, also reached the final but finished in fifth place with a score of 179.2.
Suruchi, who had been ranked No. 1 in the world in September-October following a string of four World Cup gold medals earlier in the year, continued her strong form. She finished the qualification round in second place among the elite 12 shooters with a score of 586. Bhaker secured sixth place in the qualification with 578, while Sainyam narrowly made it to the final, finishing eighth with a score of 573.
In the final, 21-year-old Sainyam initially took the lead but was overtaken by Suruchi after some average scores in the elimination round. Suruchi, daughter of a Havildar from Jhajjar, demonstrated consistency and precision to secure the top spot.
In other events, India's Rudrankksh Patil, a former world champion, and Paris Olympic finalist Arjun Babuta missed out on medals in the men's 10m air rifle, finishing fourth and sixth respectively. Elavenil Valarivan fell short in the women's 10m air rifle, finishing ninth in the qualification round.
Suruchi's gold medal comes with a prize of Euro 5,000, while Sainyam will receive Euro 4,000 for her silver medal.
This performance extends Suruchi Singh's impressive run in the World Cup circuit, adding to her previous successes. Earlier in the year, Suruchi secured her second consecutive ISSF World Cup gold in Lima, Peru, outperforming compatriot Manu Bhaker, who won silver in that competition.
The ISSF World Cup Final continues, with Zorawar Singh Sandhu aiming for a finals berth in the trap event after finishing day one of qualification in ninth place.
