What a moment for Indian shooting! Vijayveer Sidhu, just 22, delivered the performance of his career to win India’s first-ever gold medal in the men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol event at an ISSF World Cup, scoring 29 out of 40 in a dramatic final in Buenos Aires.
It was also India’s 4th gold medal of the competition, and it pushed the country to the top of the medal table.
From a Nervous Start to a Golden Finish
Sidhu’s final began on a shaky note — just 1 hit in his first 5-shot series. Most would have crumbled, but Vijayveer showed serious nerve and class. He regrouped quickly, delivering sharp 4s and even a flawless 5/5 in the fifth series to claw his way back.
By the final series, he was tied with Italy’s Riccardo Mazzetti, an experienced campaigner. It came down to one last shoot-off — and under the spotlight, Vijayveer nailed 4, while the Italian managed just 3. That clutch shooting gave the Indian the win — 29-28 in a nail-biting finish. China’s Yang Yuhao took bronze with 23 hits.
A Long-Awaited Senior Breakthrough
This gold was a long time coming. Sidhu, who hails from Chandigarh, has been a part of India’s junior shooting setup for years, collecting team medals and reaching finals regularly. But this — his first senior individual World Cup medal — was special. It’s not just about breaking through; it’s about doing it in style, on the global stage, and under immense pressure.
Earlier in qualification, Sidhu had placed third with a score of 579, comfortably making it to the final ahead of compatriots Gurpreet Singh (575, 10th) and Anish Bhanwala (570, 13th), who couldn’t make the cut.
The Field and What It Means
Some top names were missing in Buenos Aires — Li Yuehong, Florian Peter, Cho Yeong Jae, and Wang Xinjie didn’t participate. But the pressure of a World Cup final is the same, and Sidhu had to overcome a tough lineup that included experienced shooters like Mazzetti and emerging Chinese talent.
That context doesn’t dilute Sidhu’s performance — if anything, it shows his ability to capitalize when it matters most. This was no walkover — this was a statement win.
India’s Balanced Medal Haul
With Vijayveer’s gold, India’s campaign at the ISSF World Cup now boasts:
- Gold in Men’s Rifle
- Gold in Women’s Rifle
- Gold in Women’s Pistol (courtesy Suruchi Singh’s sensational 244.6 in 10m Air Pistol)
- Gold in Men’s Pistol (Vijayveer’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol)
Four golds across all Olympic shooting disciplines — that kind of all-round success is rare and reflects the strength of India’s shooting program.
What’s Next for Sidhu?
This gold is a massive confidence boost ahead of the Asian Championships and the Olympic Qualification events. Sidhu has proven that he has the temperament for big stages, this win could not have come at a better time.
Final Standings – Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol
- Gold – Vijayveer Sidhu (India) – 29/40
- Silver – Riccardo Mazzetti (Italy) – 28/40
- Bronze – Yang Yuhao (China) – 23/40
India now leads the medal tally at Buenos Aires — and this gold, forged in nerves, grit, and clutch brilliance, belongs to Vijayveer Sidhu, a name that Indian shooting fans will now never forget.
