Golden Glory for Suruchi and Saurabh in Lima
In a stellar display of composure and precision, Indian shooting duo Suruchi Inder Singh and Saurabh Chaudhary clinched the gold medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event at the ISSF World Cup in Lima, Peru. On Wednesday, the pair triumphed over China’s Qianxun Yao and Kai Hu in the final with a convincing score line of 17-9, marking a significant milestone in their shooting careers and delivering India another reason to celebrate on the international shooting stage.
Commanding Performance in the Finals
Facing the formidable Chinese pair in the gold medal match at the Las Palmas shooting range, Suruchi and Saurabh maintained calm under pressure. The match, scored in a race-to-16 format, saw the Indian team race ahead by consistently landing accurate shots and winning successive rounds. Their coordination and rhythm were in perfect sync as they denied the Chinese any major opportunity to claw back into the contest. Ultimately, the Indian team’s final tally of 17 points comfortably surpassed China’s 9, sealing the top podium spot for the tricolour.
A Rising Star and a Seasoned Champion
Suruchi Singh, just 18 years old, has been turning heads with her breakout performances at this World Cup. She had already won gold in the women’s 10m air pistol individual event the day before, in a thrilling duel that saw her outshine none other than double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker. Her rapid rise and poise under pressure signal the emergence of a new force in Indian shooting.
Saurabh Chaudhary, on the other hand, is no stranger to the podium. With a long list of accolades including World Cup titles and Asian Games medals, he brought his calm demeanour and technical prowess to this partnership. Earlier in the competition, Saurabh had secured bronze in the men’s 10m air pistol event – his first individual World Cup medal since 2022 – making this tournament a return to form for the young ace.
Path to the Final
The Indian pair earned their place in the final by shooting a combined score of 580 in the qualification round. Interestingly, Suruchi slightly outscored her more experienced partner, showcasing her rising confidence and consistency. The Chinese team of Yao Qianxun and Hu Kai had topped the qualification with an impressive 585, but it was the Indian pair who had the final say when it mattered most.
Heartbreak for Manu Bhaker and Ravinder Singh
While Suruchi and Saurabh basked in golden glory, it was a tough day for the other Indian mixed team duo -Manu Bhaker and Ravinder Singh – who lost their bronze medal match to another Chinese pair, Qianke Ma and Yifan Zhang. The final scoreline of 16-6 in favour of China highlighted a relatively one-sided affair, where the Indian team could not find their rhythm against their sharp-shooting opponents.
Manu, a seasoned international competitor and Olympian, had to settle for silver in the individual women’s event earlier in the tournament, finishing behind Suruchi. Her partnership with Ravinder showed promise but lacked the consistency needed in a high-stakes medal match.
A Tournament of Redemption and Emergence
The Lima World Cup has been a tournament of contrasting narratives for the Indian contingent. For Saurabh Chaudhary, it marked a long-awaited return to the podium in an individual capacity. For Suruchi, it has been a breakout moment – announcing herself on the world stage with two gold medals in two days. Her victories over top shooters, including Bhaker, and her composed team dynamics with Saurabh demonstrate the depth of India’s shooting talent.
Despite Manu Bhaker missing out on a gold or bronze, her continued presence in the top tier of global shooting maintains her stature as a consistent performer. Meanwhile, the experiences gained by shooters like Ravinder Singh will serve as crucial building blocks for future international events.
India’s Position in Global Shooting
India’s shooting scene continues to flourish with each international event, and performances like these further solidify the country’s standing in global shooting sports. The Lima leg of the ISSF World Cup, especially in the 10m air pistol events, showcased India’s rich bench strength, with both established names and emerging talents stepping up under pressure.
With major competitions like the Paris Olympics on the horizon, such results are crucial in shaping confidence and refining strategy. The blend of youth and experience within the Indian team promises a bright future and a potential medal haul in the coming months.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for the Duo
The golden partnership of Suruchi Singh and Saurabh Chaudhary has given Indian shooting a memorable highlight from the Lima ISSF World Cup. Their remarkable synergy, resilience, and talent carved out a dominant win against a strong Chinese opposition, underlining their place among the world’s best. As Suruchi continues to rise and Saurabh reclaims his rhythm, Indian fans can expect more thrilling moments in the run-up to the next major championships. For now, the golden glow from Lima serves as a proud chapter in India’s shooting journey.
Leave a Reply