Sonam Maskar 5th in Final, India Secures One Gold at ISSF World Cup

The curtain fell on India’s ISSF World Cup in Granada as Sonam Uttam Maskar fought valiantly to fifth in the women’s 10m air rifle final, with the nation signing off with a lone gold medal from the rifle/pistol stages.

Sonam was eliminated post-18th shot at 188.5, 0.8 shy of contenders including gold medalist Wang Jifei (China, 252.9). Janet Hegg Dustaad (Norway, 252.4) earned silver, Han Jiayu (China, 231.5) bronze.

Focusing on home-ranked shooters (4-6), India had seven finalists. Mukesh Nelavalli and Palak’s mixed 10m air pistol gold was the highlight on day one. India placed third overall; China led with eight golds in 13 medals.

Sonam led quals at 632.8 (7th), ahead of Mehwuli Ghosh (627.3, 44th) and Shrutii (624.8, 63rd/91). RPOs: Narmada Nitin Raju 629.0, Rajshree Sancheti 628.1.

Her final opened with 10.6, hit a 9.8 snag, but three elim-dodges included a flawless 10.9 (14th). Her second World Cup medal bid ended with 10.5, too little too late.

Men’s 50m rifle 3P quals: Neeraj Kumar 589 (15th), Akhil Sheoran 588 (22nd), Chain Singh out.

This campaign boosts confidence, proving India’s shooters are closing in on podium consistency.