India’s shooting campaign at the ISSF World Cup in Munich 2025 began on a historic note as Elavenil Valarivan clinched the bronze medal in the women’s 10m Air Rifle event, marking not just the country’s first medal of the tournament but also setting a new national record in the process.
The 25-year-old, who had finished just off the podium in Munich back in 2018, went one better this time, navigating a star-studded field to secure a spot on the podium. In a sport that has seen performance levels skyrocket in recent months, Elavenil’s achievement is both commendable and reflective of India’s growing strength in rifle shooting.
A Record-Breaking Qualification Round
Elavenil entered the finals in blistering form, having scored 635.9 in the qualification round, which not only secured her second place among 100+ shooters but also broke the Indian national record in women’s 10m Air Rifle.
The record was remarkable not just in isolation but in the context of a qualifying round that witnessed unprecedented scoring standards. In just the first relay, 15 shooters crossed the 630-mark, a figure that would have previously guaranteed a final berth, but now left several elite shooters outside the top 30.
Incredibly, Wang Zifei of China went even higher, setting a qualification world record with 637.9, raising the competitive bar to new heights. In this furnace of elite performances, Elavenil’s 635.9 stood tall as a historic achievement by any Indian — regardless of gender — at an ISSF World Cup.
Holding Her Own Among World’s Best
The final field read like a who’s who of world shooting: Olympic champion Ban Hyojin, world champion Han Jiayu, and Norway’s ultra-consistent Jeanette Hegg Duestad. Against this backdrop, Elavenil began the final confidently, consistently staying among the top two through the early and middle stages of the match.
For a long stretch, it appeared that she would challenge for gold. Her rhythm, timing, and trigger control were all working in sync. But just as the tension peaked, a single error proved costly — a 9.8 on her 21st shot — a rare dip that caused her to fall from first to third.
Despite that momentary lapse, she held on to finish with 231.2 points, enough for the bronze. The gold once again went to Wang Zifei (252.7), who clinched her third consecutive World Cup title, underlining her current dominance. Korea’s Kwon Eun Ji finished just behind her with 252.6 for silver.
Redemption and Return for Elavenil
For Elavenil, this bronze medal was more than just a podium finish — it was a comeback statement. After a steady but quiet 2024 season, the 2025 World Cup marks her resurgence. In Munich 2018, she had finished fourth, and that near-miss had lingered for years. Now, seven years later, she returned to claim what had once slipped through her fingers.
In a field this deep and cutthroat, medals are decided by margins thinner than a strand of hair. A single 9.8, a millisecond delay, or a breath taken too early can decide medals. Elavenil’s journey, marked by resilience and steady work behind the scenes, paid off when it mattered.
A Changing Landscape in Air Rifle
The 10m Air Rifle event has evolved dramatically. Scores that once defined the elite level have now become the norm. A 630, once an assured entry into finals, now risks finishing outside the top 30. The final in Munich wasn’t just a competition — it was a demonstration of how high the sport has risen in precision and depth.
This rise makes Elavenil’s performance all the more significant. She didn’t just win a medal; she did so while keeping pace with some of the most technically advanced shooters in the world. In that sense, her bronze may well be a stepping stone toward even bigger stages — the 2026 World Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Final Standings – Women’s 10m Air Rifle, ISSF World Cup Munich 2025
🥇 Wang Zifei (China) – 252.7
🥈 Kwon Eun Ji (South Korea) – 252.6
🥉 Elavenil Valarivan (India) – 231.2
A Strong Start for Team India
With Elavenil’s bronze, India opens its account at the Munich World Cup on a strong note. Her performance will serve as motivation for the rest of the 36-member Indian contingent, including Olympic bronze medalist Swapnil Kusale, who will compete in his marquee event, the 50m Rifle 3 Positions.
For now, Elavenil Valarivan has fired the opening salvo. And as the rest of the events unfold, India’s shooters know that one of their best has already shown the way.