India's junior shooters have showcased their exceptional talent at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Championship, held in Lima, where they added two bronze medals to their impressive collection on the second day of competition. This achievement brings India's total medal tally to five, comprising two golds and three bronzes, allowing them to maintain their position at the top of the overall standings.
The competitions on Sunday featured mixed team events in both the 10m air rifle and air pistol categories. The day commenced with the rifle shooters taking to the range first. The Indian duo of Gautami Bhanot and Ajay Malik demonstrated remarkable skill and composure throughout their event. After each shooter completed 30 shots, they collectively amassed a score of 628.9, which earned them a spot in the bronze medal match against the Croatian team of Anamarija Turk and Darko Tomasevic. In a thrilling showdown, Bhanot and Malik emerged victorious, decisively defeating their opponents with a score of 17-9. The gold medal in this event went to China, which triumphed over France in the final.
Meanwhile, in the mixed pistol event, both Indian teams had a strong showing in the qualification rounds. Lakshita and Parmod secured third place, while Kanishka Dagar and Mukesh Nelavali followed closely in fourth. This led to an all-Indian contest for the bronze medal, where Lakshita and Parmod faced off against Dagar and Nelavali. In a competitive match, Lakshita and Parmod emerged victorious, claiming the bronze with a score of 16-8. The gold medal in the mixed pistol event was awarded to Germany, while Ukraine took home the silver medal. Notably, this victory marked Lakshita's second medal of the championship, having previously secured gold in the air pistol team event on Saturday, September 28.
In addition to the mixed team events, the Indian shooters continued to impress in the shotgun category, where Mansi Raghuwanshi stood out as the top performer in the junior women's skeet competition. Her strong performance further contributes to India's burgeoning reputation in the shooting sports arena.
Overall, the Indian contingent's success at the ISSF Junior World Championship highlights the depth of talent in the country's shooting program. As they continue to excel, the young shooters are not only bringing home medals but also gaining invaluable experience that will undoubtedly benefit them in future competitions. With strong performances across various disciplines, India's junior shooters are poised for even greater achievements as they aim for success on the global stage.
