In a sensational display of calm, class, and clinical precision, former World Champion Rudrankksh Patil clinched the gold medal in the Men’s 10m Air Rifle event at the ISSF World Cup 2025 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
With a staggering score of 252.9, just shy of the world record of 254.5, Patil stamped his authority on the global stage yet again, securing his second individual ISSF World Cup gold.
The Indian marksman’s performance was nothing short of phenomenal. In a final featuring elite sharpshooters, Rudrankksh stood tall, demonstrating why he’s among the finest in the world.
Right from the opening series, he looked locked in, maintaining composure and consistency across the high-pressure finale. His final shot—a near-perfect 10.8—was the perfect exclamation mark, sealing the gold and drawing a quiet smile of satisfaction.
Final Podium – Men’s 10m Air Rifle
- 🥇 Rudrankksh Patil (India) – 252.9
- 🥈 Istvan Peni (Hungary) – 251.7
- 🥉 Marcelo Gutierrez (Argentina) – 230.1
Rudrankksh’s gold not only reaffirmed his elite status but also boosted India’s overall medal tally in the event to 2 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze.
Road to Gold: Dominance in the Final
The Men’s 10m Air Rifle final saw top shooters from around the globe, but it was Patil who stood out from the very beginning. His rhythm was impeccable, shot after shot landing in the high tens. While others faltered under pressure, he seemed to thrive on it.
What made the win even more impressive was the level of competition. Istvan Peni, the experienced Hungarian shooter, pushed Rudrankksh until the final rounds, eventually finishing second with a brilliant 251.7. Meanwhile, Marcelo Gutierrez of host nation Argentina thrilled the local crowd by taking bronze with 230.1.
Qualification: India’s Strong Start
India had reasons to celebrate even before the finals began. Arjun Babuta and Rudrankksh Patil finished at the top in the qualification round—Babuta leading the chart with a score of 634.5, and Rudrankksh just behind at 633.7, securing the second spot.
India’s dominance in the qualifiers gave hope for a double podium finish. Unfortunately, while Rudrankksh soared, Babuta couldn’t replicate his qualifying form. A poor opening series in the final (scores of 9.9 and 9.8) pushed him down the rankings, and he eventually finished 7th with a score of 144.9.
Other Indian Performances
India’s depth in the 10m air rifle was on full display throughout the competition. Kiran Ankush Jadhav delivered a solid performance, scoring 631.5 and finishing 6th in the Ranking Points Only (RPO) section.
Divyansh Singh Panwar and Hriday Hazarika wrapped up their campaigns with scores of 628 and 624.6, finishing 19th and 29th, respectively.
A Statement of Intent
Rudrankksh’s gold was more than just another medal—it was a statement. Having already won the World Championship title in 2022, he is now building momentum in this crucial Olympic cycle. His maturity, focus, and technical finesse were on full display in Buenos Aires, and with Paris 2024 still fresh in memory, he’s shaping up to be India’s biggest shooting hope for future multi-sport events.
India’s Medal Tally at ISSF WC Buenos Aires (so far):
- 2 Gold
- 1 Silver
- 1 Bronze
This performance from Rudrankksh comes at a perfect time for Indian shooting, which is witnessing a new wave of talent backed by experience and excellent infrastructure. As the ISSF circuit moves forward, eyes will be on this young prodigy to continue carrying India’s flag high.
From the qualification round to the last shot in the final, Rudrankksh Patil was in a league of his own. His gold in Buenos Aires not only showcases his immense talent but also cements his place among the sport’s elite. With nerves of steel and the eye of a hawk, Patil reminded the world why he’s a former World Champion and a future Olympic contender.
Well done, Rudrankksh—you beauty!
