In what will go down as one of the most memorable 10m Air Rifle finals in recent ISSF World Cup history, Arjun Babuta delivered a performance full of grit, composure, and class — eventually clinching the silver medal in Lima, Peru.
Facing off against a high-octane field featuring seven nations, multiple Olympians, and the reigning Olympic champion and silver medallist, the Indian shooter proved why he’s still one of the finest in the business.
But it wasn’t just the medal that made headlines — it was the way the final unfolded.
A Battle for the Ages: Arjun vs. Sheng
The spotlight was firmly on the duel between Arjun Babuta and Sheng Lihao, the reigning Olympic gold medallist from China. The two exchanged leads in a tense, high-stakes shootout that had spectators on edge.
Arjun, who shot a superb 631.9 in qualification to finish just behind compatriot Rudrankksh Patil (632.0), brought that rhythm into the final. With every shot, he matched Sheng’s intensity — both shooters pushing each other to greater heights.
But the turning point came late in the final. Sheng, needing something special, delivered a stunning 10.9 with his penultimate shot — the maximum possible score in the sport. That shot shifted momentum ever so slightly and helped the Chinese star edge Arjun by a mere 0.1 point, taking gold in dramatic fashion.
Despite the heartbreak of missing gold by the slimmest of margins, this was Arjun’s first individual World Cup medal in over three years, and perhaps more importantly, a statement of intent post-Paris 2024.
From Paris Pain to Lima Podium
Arjun’s performance holds even more significance considering his journey over the past year. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, he narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing fourth — a result that was both motivating and emotionally taxing.
Coming so close to an Olympic podium could have dented confidence, but instead, Arjun used it as fuel.
The silver in Lima is more than just a medal — it’s a comeback. A message to the world that Arjun Babuta remains a major force in international shooting, especially in the highly competitive 10m Air Rifle event.
Team India: Promise and Poise
It wasn’t just Arjun who carried India’s hopes in Lima. The ever-consistent Rudrankksh Patil, a former world champion, topped the qualification charts with a score of 632.0, showing brilliant form yet again.
Unfortunately, his campaign ended on a disappointing note in the final, as he fired an early shot, leading to the score being discarded — a harsh reminder of how unforgiving the rules can be, even for the best.
Also making waves was Arya Rajesh Borse, who impressed in the women’s 10m Air Rifle final, finishing fifth in her first-ever senior World Cup final.
Competing in a world-class field that included reigning Olympic and World champions, Arya held her own and looked calm under pressure. Her performance bodes well for the future of Indian women’s rifle shooting.
China’s Dominance Continues
While India made a strong impression, China reaffirmed its dominance in air rifle events. Not only did Sheng Lihao bag the gold in men’s 10m Air Rifle, but 18-year-old Wang Zifei stole the show in the women’s event, setting a new world record en route to gold.
It was a clear signal that China continues to produce prodigious talent — something India will aim to match in coming years.
What This Means for Indian Shooting
The Lima World Cup was more than just another event — it was a post-Olympics testing ground, a chance to assess the form of both emerging and seasoned shooters. For India, the results were a blend of satisfaction and learning.
- Arjun Babuta’s silver ends his long individual medal drought and reaffirms his place among the world’s best.
- Rudrankksh Patil, despite the mishap, remains a top-tier talent capable of bouncing back instantly.
- Arya Rajesh Borse shows India’s pipeline is producing young women ready to take the leap to senior success.
India now has depth, youth, and Olympic pedigree — a powerful combination for the upcoming Olympic cycle leading to Los Angeles 2028.
Arjun Babuta may have missed out on gold by 0.1 points in Lima, but what he gained was perhaps even more valuable — respect, redemption, and renewed momentum.
The manner in which he challenged the reigning Olympic champion, the intensity of the final, and his graceful composure throughout marked a turning point in his international career.
With Indian shooting continuing to build on a solid Paris 2024 foundation, Lima might just be remembered as the first big spark of an even brighter future.
