India’s shooting campaign at the ISSF World Cup Munich 2025 received a huge boost as Arjun Babuta and Arya Rajesh Borse delivered a clinical performance to win the Gold Medal in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event, overpowering the formidable Chinese pair of Sheng Lihao and Wang Zifei by a convincing 17-7 margin in the final.
A Statement Victory Against the Best
The Chinese team wasn’t just any opposition — they are the reigning World Record holders and feature Olympic medallist Sheng Lihao and Junior World Champion Wang Zifei. But the Indian duo showed no signs of intimidation, bringing their A-game when it mattered most. From the opening shots, Babuta and Borse looked in complete control, displaying precision, consistency, and composure under pressure. Their 17-7 win wasn’t just a victory; it was a statement.
The final showcased India’s rising dominance in the rifle discipline. Arjun and Arya were locked in from the beginning, quickly establishing a lead and never letting the Chinese pair settle. Their synchronization, both technically and mentally, was exceptional — proving once again that India is becoming a powerhouse in rifle shooting on the global stage.
Strong Qualification Performance
Before their golden run, the Indian pair put up a solid showing in the qualification round, finishing 2nd with a combined score of 635.2, only narrowly behind the Chinese team. That set up a high-stakes gold medal clash — one that the Indian pair embraced with calm and confidence.
Arya Borse’s Breakout Year
For Arya Rajesh Borse, 2025 has been a breakthrough year in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event. The gold in Munich marks her third medal at an ISSF World Cup this year in this discipline:
- 🥇 Munich (with Arjun Babuta)
- 🥈 Lima (with Rudrankksh Patil)
- 🥈 Buenos Aires (with Rudrankksh Patil)
At just 19, Arya is emerging as one of India’s brightest rifle prospects. Her calm presence on the shooting range and her ability to perform on the big stage are drawing comparisons with the very best in the sport.
This consistency across continents shows her adaptability and technical growth — a quality every elite shooter needs to reach the top tier.
Redemption for Arjun Babuta
For Arjun Babuta, the win in Munich is a personal high point. Having narrowly missed out on key team selections in recent seasons, Babuta has quietly worked on his form, refining his rhythm and mental game. His partnership with Arya proved to be the perfect match of experience and youthful fearlessness.
This gold is also a strong reminder of Babuta’s potential and ability to lead from the front — qualities that make him a valuable asset in team events.
Podium Summary – 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team
- 🥇 India (Arjun Babuta / Arya Borse) – Defeated China 17-7
- 🥈 China (Sheng Lihao / Wang Zifei)
- 🥉 Norway (Jon Hermann Hegg / Jeanette Hegg Duestad) – Defeated Hungary 16-14 in bronze match
Two Golds and Growing Momentum
This gold marks India’s second top-podium finish at the Munich World Cup, reflecting the growing depth and balance across the shooting squad.
Looking Ahead
With the Paris 2024 Olympics behind us, the 2025 ISSF World Cups are crucial for shaping the next Olympic core. Performances like this one from Babuta and Borse reinforce India’s presence on the global circuit and hint at exciting things to come in team and individual events.
As India continues to build on its legacy in rifle shooting, the Munich performance stands out — not just for the medal, but for the authority with which it was earned.
Arjun and Arya didn’t just win. They dominated, and in doing so, they reminded the world that Indian shooters, when firing at their best, can outgun even the very best.