NEW DELHI
Indian shooting star Sainyam reached a new career milestone this weekend, securing her best-ever finish at an ISSF World Cup. Competing in the women’s 10m air pistol event in Granada, Spain, the former junior world and Asian champion fought her way to a highly creditable fifth place in a field of the world’s elite athletes.
Sainyam showed remarkable poise throughout the high-pressure final, eventually finishing with a total score of 178.9. While she narrowly missed out on a podium spot, the result marks a significant step forward in her transition from a dominant junior player to a top-tier senior contender. Her performance in Spain proves she can hold her own against the very best on the global stage.
She wasn’t the only Indian making waves in Granada. Reigning Asian Games champion Palak also displayed her trademark skill by qualifying for the final round. Palak ultimately finished in seventh place, bowing out after the 14th shot. Having two Indian shooters in the top eight of a World Cup final highlights the incredible depth and talent currently surging through the nation’s shooting program.
National coaches have praised the duo for their consistency and mental toughness. For Sainyam, this fifth-place finish isn’t just a personal record, it is a clear signal that her hard work at the range is paying off. As the international shooting season continues, all eyes will be on these young athletes as they aim to turn these strong final appearances into medals for India.