India won silver and bronze in men’s 50m rifle prone; gold went to Kamil Nuriakhmetov
New Delhi
India began the ISSF Junior World Cup with a brilliant show at the Dr. Karni Singh Ranges, sweeping medals in the women’s 50m rifle prone and adding silver and bronze in the men’s event.
In the women’s competition, Anushka Thokur, fresh from her gold at the Asian Championships, secured the top position with 621.6. She was followed by 18-year-old Anshika, who scored 619.2 for silver, and 20-year-old Aadhya Agrawal with 615.9 for bronze. Their strong display ensured a clean podium sweep for India in the non-Olympic discipline.
In the men’s 50m rifle prone, India celebrated two maiden international medals. Deependra Singh Shekhawat captured silver with 617.9, while Rohit Kanyan took bronze on 616.3. The gold medal went to Kamil Nuriakhmetov, competing as an Individual Neutral Athlete, with 618.9 in the 11-shooter field. Other Indians in the fray included Nitin Waghmare (615.6, fifth place), Kushagra Singh (611.6, eighth), and Kunal Sharma (590.9, eleventh).
Deependra, who earlier represented India in the men’s 50m rifle 3-positions at the Asian Championships, added another highlight to his rising career. For Rohit, the bronze marked a strong international debut.
With the first day focused on non-Olympic events, attention now shifts to the Olympic categories. Competitions in the men’s and women’s 10m air pistol are scheduled to begin on Friday, where India will again be among the favorites.
India’s early dominance has set a strong benchmark for the tournament, underlining the country’s depth in junior shooting and fueling hopes for further success in the coming days.