In a extraordinary display of skill and composure, 18-year-old Indian shooter Suruchi Inder Singh claimed her first ISSF World Cup gold medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Her victory not only highlighted her immense talent but also shows India’s growing prominence in the international shooting arena.
A Stellar Performance Amidst Fierce Competition
Suruchi’s path to the podium was not at all easy. The final featured a fierce competitive lineup, including China’s Qian Wei and two time Olympic medallist Jiang Ranxin. Despite the high stakes, Suruchi showed unwavering focus and strong determination. She had a total score of 244.6, surpassing Qian Wei, who secured silver with 241.9, and Jiang Ranxin, who took bronze with 221.0.
The competition started with Qian Wei making an immediate impact, shooting a perfect 10.9 in her first attempt. Suruchi began with a solid 10.1 but faced difficulties early on, including a couple of 9s and an 8.9 by her tenth shot, momentarily pushing her away from the medal positions. However, showcasing remarkable resilience, then she delivered outstanding scores of 10.7 and 10.8 in her 11th and 12th shots, forcing her into the lead by the 13th shot.
Qualifying Round: A Testament to Consistency
Suruchi’s journey to gold was nothing but sheer excellence. In the qualification round, she was at the top of leaderboard with an outstanding score of 583. This achievement is particularly praiseworthy given the level of competitors, which included Paris Olympics mixed team champion Zorana Arunovic of Serbia, current 25m world champion Doreen Vennekamp of Germany, and Indian Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker. Manu Bhaker, despite a great effort, finished 11th with a score of 574, missing the final by a narrow margin.
A Rising Star from Haryana
Coming from Haryana, Suruchi Inder Singh has quickly ascended the ranks in Indian shooting circles. Prior to this international triumph, she had already made her mark as a national champion across all three individual pistol categories. Her swift transition from national to international success signifies her willingness to compete and excel at the world level.
India’s Dominance at the ISSF World Cup
Suruchi’s gold medal contributes to India’s impressive performance at the ISSF World Cup in Buenos Aires. Another Shooter Vijayveer Sidhu made history by becoming the first Indian to win gold in the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol event on the very same day. These victories pushed India to the top of the overall medal tally, with a total of four golds, one silver, and a bronze.
A Bright Future for Indian Shooting
Suruchi’s success is symbol of the exploding talent in India’s shooting community. Her ability to perform under pressure, merged with her technical soundness, positions her as a strong contender in future international competitions. As she continues to sharpen her skills, the shooting community and fans will be keenly watching her journey, expecting further medals and contributions to India’s shooting legacy.
