The junior Indian shooting team delivered an impressive performance on the final day of the ISSF Junior World Championship Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun held in Lima, Peru, securing a total of five medals, including a coveted gold. This remarkable achievement cemented their dominance in the competition, allowing India to finish at the top of the medal tally with an outstanding overall count of 13 golds, three silvers, and eight bronzes. Italy followed in second place, with five gold medals, four silver, and four bronze, while Norway claimed the third spot with four golds and a total of ten medals.
On Sunday, October 6, India showcased their prowess in the junior men's 50m pistol team event, where the trio of Deepak Dalal, Kamaljeet, and Raj Chandra delivered a stellar performance. Their combined score of 1616 narrowly edged out Azerbaijan, who finished just one point behind, while Armenia took home the bronze. Deepak Dalal's individual contribution of 545 points, combined with Kamaljeet’s 543 and Raj Chandra's 528, underscored the team's strength and resilience.
In the individual events, Mukesh Nelavalli continued to shine, securing a bronze medal with a score of 548 in the 60-shot competition. This marked his sixth medal of the championship, highlighting his consistency and skill throughout the tournament. Azerbaijan's Imran Garayev clinched the gold in this event, shooting an impressive 552.
The women's events also brought accolades for India, particularly in the junior women's 50m pistol event, where Parisha Gupta delivered an outstanding performance, earning a silver medal with a score of 540. Parisha's effort was remarkable, as she narrowly missed out on surpassing Hungary's Miriam Jako, who set a junior world record with a score of 546. In the team event, the Indian trio of Sejal Kamble, Ketan, and Kanishka Dagar secured silver by finishing behind the Azerbaijani team, showcasing their collective talent and teamwork.
On the final day, Shardul Vihan and Sabeera Harris earned India another bronze in the junior mixed team trap event. Shardul scored 71 while Sabeera contributed 67, combining for a total of 138. They finished behind the Czech Republic and Italy, who had scores of 141+8 and 141+7, respectively. The second Indian pair in the event, Zuhair Khan and Bhavya Tripathi, finished joint sixth with a combined score of 134, adding depth to India’s participation in this championship.
India's remarkable haul of medals at the ISSF Junior World Championship not only reflects the depth of talent in the junior shooting squad but also sets a high standard as the ISSF prepares for its next prestigious event. The attention now turns to the upcoming ISSF World Cup Final Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun, which will take place in New Delhi in 2024, where the Indian team will aim to carry forward their success on a global stage.
