In a stunning display of resilience and precision, Adriyan Karmakar secured a bronze medal in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions event at the ISSF Junior World Cup 2025 in Suhl, Germany, marking his second podium finish of the tournament.
The 19-year-old Indian shooter, son of Olympian Joydeep Karmakar, delivered a sensational performance in challenging conditions, solidifying his status as one of India’s most promising young talents in shooting.
From Fourth to the Podium
The final was fiercely contested, with athletes battling not only nerves but also cold winds that made the already technical 3P event even more demanding. Adriyan, who had qualified for his maiden World Cup final with a score of 588 (34x) in the qualification round—placing fourth—entered the final as a dark horse.
Throughout much of the match, Adriyan hovered in the fourth position, fighting to stay in contention. But it was his incredible composure and clutch performance in the standing series—the most difficult of the three positions—that proved decisive. Despite a slow start, particularly in the kneeling series, Adriyan held his nerve and stepped up in the final moments, delivering a flurry of sharp, consistent shots.
His final score of 446.6 earned him a bronze medal, narrowly edging out his closest competitors. It was a performance characterized by maturity, technical command, and sheer grit.
A Special World Cup Campaign
This bronze comes just days after Adriyan won a silver medal in the 50m Rifle Prone Men Junior event, his World Cup debut. In that event, he shot an impressive 626.7 to finish second—already an outstanding feat for a young shooter at his first major international event.
That performance had already turned heads, and the bronze in the 3P event now confirms that Adriyan is a talent to watch on the global stage.
His father, Joydeep Karmakar, famously won silver in the 50m Rifle Prone at the 2010 ISSF World Cup in Sydney and was a finalist at the London 2012 Olympics. Adriyan’s performances in Suhl seem to reflect the emergence of a new chapter in Indian shooting, where legacy and fresh energy are seamlessly converging.
Navigating Challenging Conditions
The competition in Suhl was far from easy. With strong winds and a biting chill affecting stability and concentration, many shooters struggled to find rhythm. Adriyan’s ability to stay composed and adapt to these harsh external factors was a hallmark of his campaign.
In the final of the 50m Rifle 3 Positions, the standing series often proves the make-or-break stage for athletes. Adriyan, despite one stray shot of 8.5, held his form under pressure. That ability to perform in clutch situations distinguishes champions from the rest, and for Adriyan, it came together at the right time.
Rising Star with Shooting in His Veins
Adriyan Karmakar’s rise is more than just individual brilliance; it’s a story of dedication, legacy, and meticulous preparation. Training under the watchful eyes of one of India’s most experienced shooters in his father Joydeep, Adriyan has shown he has inherited not only technical prowess but also mental steel.
While comparisons are inevitable, Adriyan is steadily carving his own identity. With two medals from his first World Cup and a final berth in one of the most demanding events in the sport, the teenager has made a powerful statement. India’s shooting ecosystem, now thriving with young stars, has found yet another gem in Adriyan.
India’s Medal Haul Grows
Adriyan’s performance also contributes significantly to India’s medal tally at the Junior World Cup, where the Indian contingent has been impressive across disciplines. As the nation continues to develop depth in its junior shooting ranks, the consistency and temperament displayed by shooters like Adriyan bode well for future senior-level competitions, including the ISSF World Championships and Olympic qualifiers.
With the Aiming of Los Angeles and beyond, Adriyan’s back-to-back medals have undoubtedly raised expectations. While the Olympics remain a longer-term goal, the World Championships, Asian Championships, and next season’s senior World Cups are likely to feature more prominently in his calendar as he transitions further into elite international competition.
For now, Adriyan can take a well-earned moment to bask in his success. With poise, pedigree, and performance all aligning, the shooting world has taken notice.
In Suhl, Adriyan Karmakar didn’t just win medals—he announced his arrival. With silver in prone and bronze in 3P, he has matched high expectations with results, even under the strain of debut pressure. As he returns to India with two medals and invaluable international experience, Adriyan’s journey from being a legacy shooter to becoming a world-class athlete in his own right has truly begun.
Congratulations, Adriyan Karmakar! India is proud.
