India’s pistol shooters continued their strong run on the world stage as Esha Singh and Samrat Rana clinched the silver medal in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event at the ISSF World Championships 2025 in Cairo.
The Indian pair, who topped qualification with an exceptional display earlier in the day, fell short in the gold medal match against China but delivered a performance that further underscores India’s growing depth in pistol shooting.
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Esha and Samrat were flawless in the qualification round, shooting a combined 586 with 26 inner 10s one of the highest totals of the day. Both shooters scored 293, displaying consistency, rhythm and control on a high-pressure morning. Their score placed them first in qualification, securing a direct entry into the Gold Medal Match. This qualification performance continued the steady form of both shooters this season. For Esha, it was another demonstration of her ability to deliver at major events, while Samrat once again showed why he is emerging as India’s next major pistol force.
Behind them, India’s second pair of Suruchi Singh & Shravan Kumar also produced a respectable effort. Their 579 earned them 8th place, giving India two top-eight finishes in the discipline.
In the final, the Indian duo faced the clinical Chinese pair of Hu Kai and Yao Qianxun, a team known for their impeccable match-play consistency. China started sharply, applied pressure early and maintained separation throughout the final. The Indian pair fought back in bursts, but the Chinese shooters closed out the contest with sharper 10s and steadier execution in the decisive duels. The match ended 16–10 in China’s favour, giving them gold and India a well-earned silver. Korea claimed bronze, continuing their solid record in pistol events.
Second Consecutive Medal for Esha in This Event
For Esha Singh, the silver carries special significance. It marks her second consecutive mixed team medal at the World Championships, after winning gold in the previous edition. Over the last three years, Esha has built a strong record in mixed team events blending poise, competitive resilience and the ability to handle finals pressure.
This pair story in Cairo is cyclical and symbolic.
•2022 (Junior World Championships, Cairo): Mixed Team Gold with Samrat
•2025 (Senior World Championships, Cairo): Mixed Team Silver
Three years, two levels, same city and Esha continues to stand tall on the world stage.
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For Samrat Rana, this silver adds to what has already been a breakthrough tournament. Days earlier, he claimed individual gold in the men’s 10m Air Pistol, becoming India’s newest World Champion in an Olympic event. The mixed team silver is his second Olympic-category medal of these championships a remarkable achievement for an athlete who has rapidly risen through India’s pistol ranks over the past two seasons.
While the Indian pair may feel they had an opportunity to push China deeper in the final, the overall performance stands out for its quality and consistency. Their qualification score of 586 was among the best in the world this year, and both shooters demonstrated a composed shooting rhythm under championship pressure. The final, however, did not entirely go Esha’s way a few drifting shots broke her usual tight grouping. Yet even on a sub-optimal day, she remained competitive enough to keep India in the fight until China pulled away late.
The medal reinforces India’s position as a global power in pistol shooting. It also reflects the continuity between India’s junior and senior shooting systems. Esha and Samrat both came through structured development pathways and now stand as consistent performers on the senior circuit. Their silver adds to India’s growing tally at the 2025 World Championships and further cements the nation’s depth in Olympic-category pistol events.
Final Podium, 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team
🥇 China – Hu Kai / Yao Qianxun
🥈 India – Samrat Rana / Esha Singh
🥉 Korea – Hong Su Hyeon / Oh Ye Jin
With more finals lined up and India’s shooters in excellent form, Cairo continues to be a fruitful venue for the tricolour.
