Buenos Aires, April 4: Veteran marksman Chain Singh delivered India its first medal at the ISSF World Cup 2025 in Buenos Aires, clinching bronze in the fiercely competitive Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions (3P) final with a score of 443.7.
This medal holds historic significance—not only is it India’s opening medal at this year’s World Cup, but it also marks Chain Singh’s first individual ISSF World Cup podium finish since his debut back in 2013
Triple Delight: All Three Indians in the Final
It was a proud moment for Indian shooting as all three Indian shooters—Chain Singh, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, and Niraj Kumar—made it to the final of the men’s 50m Rifle 3P event, a rare feat that underlined the country’s growing depth in rifle shooting.
•Aishwary Tomar: 2nd place – 589 (31x)
•Chain Singh: 3rd place – 589 (27x)
•Niraj Kumar: 5th place – 587 (36x)
The trio’s qualification performance raised hopes of a double podium or even a gold, with all three ranked within the top 5 going into the final
The Final: Chain’s Redemption Despite Late Jitter
In the final, Hungary’s Istvan Peni emerged as the gold medallist with a dominant showing, while Tian Jiaming of China, a known contender and Asian Games bronze medallist, took silver.
Chain Singh started strong across the kneeling and prone stages, maintaining a steady position within the top three. However, the drama unfolded in the final and most difficult standing position, where precision and composure are absolutely vital.
A costly 7.8 shot from Chain Singh in the closing stages could have ended his medal hopes. But to his credit, the 35-year-old Army shooter regrouped quickly and closed out with enough consistency to hold on to third place, edging out teammate Aishwary Tomar for the bronze.
Aishwary and Niraj: Close But Missed Out
Aishwary Tomar, who had looked sharp and confident early in the match, was left ruing small errors that kept him just off the podium. Finishing 4th with 432.6, the 22-year-old missed out on a medal despite his excellent qualification score.
Niraj Kumar, meanwhile, showed promise but couldn’t replicate his qualification rhythm in the final. He settled for 7th place with a score of 402.5, but his performance through the week adds to India’s growing bench strength in rifle events.
Chain Singh: A Veteran’s Reward
For Chain Singh, this medal is a long-overdue reward for a decade of dedication. A stalwart of the Indian Army and a consistent name on the national circuit, he’s been part of many team victories and continental campaigns—but this is his first individual ISSF World Cup medal, and one that comes in the twilight of his career.
At 35, he remains an inspiring figure for India’s next generation of rifle shooters, proving that experience, grit, and patience still matter on the world stage.
A Strong Start for India
With this bronze, India has opened its account at the Buenos Aires World Cup, and the mood in the camp is optimistic. Having three shooters in one final at a major ISSF event is a testament to India’s rise in precision shooting and sets the stage for more to come in 2025.
As the Olympic qualification cycle intensifies, this performance provides momentum and belief. Chain Singh has lit the flame—now it’s up to the rest of the team to keep it burning bright.
Bronze for now—but a golden season may be just beginning for Indian shooting.
