-Pratyusha Mukherjee
India underlined its emergence as a global powerhouse in junior shooting by finishing atop the medal standings at the ISSF Junior World Championship 2026 in Suhl, Germany, with an impressive tally of 24 medals—seven gold, eight silver, and nine bronze.
The outstanding performance marked India’s second consecutive edition at the summit of the championship, reflecting the country’s growing depth across rifle and pistol disciplines.
India’s campaign began in emphatic fashion as Sejal Kamble captured gold in the women’s 10m air pistol junior event, while Himanshi secured the bronze medal. Kamble later joined Vanshika Choudhary and Navya Bishnoi to claim gold in the women’s team competition, giving India an early lead in the standings.
The momentum continued with Sameer winning the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol junior title and Rohit Kanyan taking gold in the men’s 50m rifle three positions event. Prachi Gaikwad added silver in the women’s 50m rifle three positions, while India’s teams collected bronze medals in the men’s 50m rifle three positions and men’s 25m rapid fire pistol competitions.
India’s success extended across multiple disciplines. Anvii Rathod earned bronze in the women’s 10m air rifle, before Pritam Kendre delivered another gold in the men’s event. The country also secured bronze medals in both the men’s and women’s 25m pistol team events.
In the men’s 10m air pistol, Shiva Narwal claimed silver and Yug Pratap Singh Rathore won bronze in a double podium finish. Narwal later combined with Sandeep Bishnoi and Chirag Sharma to win team silver before partnering Vanshika Choudhary for another silver in the mixed team competition.
India finished the championship strongly during the closing stages. Abhinav Deshwal won gold in the men’s 25m standard pistol event, while Shambhavi Shravan Kshirsagar and Abhinav Shaw struck gold in the 10m air rifle mixed team event. The men’s 25m standard pistol team of Deshwal, Jatin, and Abhinav Choudhary secured silver, while Shaurya Dilip Bharne claimed silver and Riya Duggal took bronze in the women’s 25m standard pistol competition.
On the final day, Raj Chandra added bronze in the men’s 50m pistol event, while Yogesh Kumar, Prateek, and Abhinav Choudhary combined for team silver. Aishwarya Ravichandra Balehosur capped India’s remarkable campaign with silver in the women’s 50m pistol, mathematically ensuring the nation finished first in the overall medal standings.
Speaking after the championship, National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo praised the team’s depth and consistency.
“Topping the medal tally at a World Championship for two successive editions is a phenomenal achievement. These medals came across rifle and pistol, individual, mixed, and team events, demonstrating the strength of our grassroots programmes and the immense depth of talent in Indian shooting.”
NRAI Secretary General Pawankumar Singh credited the athletes’ composure under pressure and acknowledged the contribution of coaches and support staff.
“Suhl always presents a stern test for young athletes. The way our shooters handled the pressure and consistently reached the podium is extremely encouraging. Our objective now is to help these talented juniors transition successfully into the senior ranks.”
India’s dominant showing in Suhl reinforces its status as one of the world’s leading nations in junior shooting and provides a strong foundation for future success on the senior international stage.
