The Indian pistol shooting contingent lit up Lima with a dazzling performance as 18-year-old Suruchi Singh Phogat clinched her second gold medal in as many World Cups, winning the women’s 10m air pistol final with a stellar score of 243.6.
In a moment that will be remembered in Indian shooting history, she was joined on the podium by none other than Olympic bronze medallist Manu Bhaker, who claimed silver with a score of 242.3.
Together, they scripted a 1-2 finish for India and firmly placed the nation at the top of the medals table after Day 1 of the ISSF World Cup 2025 in Peru.
It’s hard to overstate just how monumental this is — not just because of the medals, but the manner in which it happened.
Back-to-Back Golds: Suruchi Singh’s Meteoric Rise
Suruchi Singh’s victory in Lima marks her second consecutive World Cup gold, following her breakout performance just days ago at the previous World Cup. The teenager from Haryana has quickly emerged as a serious contender on the international stage, showing composure, technical finesse, and a maturity beyond her years.
In qualification, Suruchi shot 582 to finish second and carried that form into the final. But it was her performance under pressure — holding off the experienced Bhaker — that truly impressed.
With a final score of 243.6, she once again put up a massive number, showcasing remarkable consistency and nerves of steel.
At just 18, she is fast becoming one of India’s most exciting prospects in shooting. Two golds in two World Cups — this is no longer a breakthrough, it’s a statement.
Manu Bhaker Returns to Podium in Style
For Manu Bhaker, Lima brought her first international medal since the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she bagged a historic bronze. In Peru, she reminded the world of her class and staying power, finishing with silver after a strong qualification score of 578 and an even more impressive final performance.
Bhaker, now a seasoned campaigner at 22, displayed poise and tenacity in the final, pushing Suruchi right to the end.
While she narrowly missed gold, the silver signals a strong return to form — and the hunger is clearly still there. Her presence on the podium also reinforced the growing strength and depth in India’s women’s pistol team.
Saurabh Chaudhary: A Comeback to Celebrate
Not to be left behind, Saurabh Chaudhary added a cherry on top for India with a bronze medal in the men’s 10m air pistol final. The 22-year-old, once the poster boy of Indian pistol shooting, has had a quiet few years since his stellar run between 2018 and 2021.
But in Lima, he found his rhythm again, scoring 219.1 to secure his 14th World Cup medal, and his first individual podium finish at a World Cup since 2022.
The final was an intense battle, with China’s Hu Kai delivering an incredible 246.4 to take gold — just shy of the world record. Brazilian shooter Almeida Wu took silver with 241.0, while Chaudhary held off tough competition to earn the bronze. Fellow Indian Varun Tomar, who also made the final after a qualification score of 576, finished a credible fourth.
For Saurabh, the bronze could be just the confidence boost he needs. With a busy year ahead and Olympic qualifiers approaching, his return to form is a timely boost for Indian shooting.
Team India Dominates Day 1 in Lima
India’s shooting stars delivered a dream start at the ISSF World Cup 2025 in Lima:
- Gold: Suruchi Singh – Women’s 10m Air Pistol
- Silver: Manu Bhaker – Women’s 10m Air Pistol
- Bronze: Saurabh Chaudhary – Men’s 10m Air Pistol
These results place India at the top of the medals tally after Day 1 — and rightly so. The performance is not just a reflection of individual brilliance, but a product of solid team preparation, excellent domestic structure, and a pipeline of young, fearless shooters.
What This Means Going Forward
The Lima World Cup has made one thing clear: India is back in the spotlight in pistol shooting, and this time, the new generation is taking charge. Suruchi Singh’s meteoric rise, Manu Bhaker’s strong comeback, and Saurabh Chaudhary’s return to form — all within the same day — signals exciting times for Indian shooting.
With key events like the Asian Championships and World Championships later this year, and the 2026 Asian Games on the horizon, India looks set to be a serious medal contender across pistol events.
For now, let’s just enjoy the moment: India’s pistol royalty has taken Lima by storm.
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