ISSF World Cup Hangzhou 2026: Sonam Uttam Maskar and Himanshu Dhillon Win Bronze in 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team

India added another medal to its impressive campaign at the ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun in Hangzhou, China, with Sonam Uttam Maskar and Himanshu Dhillon clinching the bronze medal in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event on Tuesday. 

The Indian duo delivered a composed performance in a high-quality final, combining for 441.2 points to finish on the podium behind two Chinese teams. The result marked India's fourth medal of the competition, taking the country's tally to one gold, one silver and two bronze medals. It was also a memorable day for Indian shooting as both Indian mixed teams advanced to the final, underlining the nation's depth in the rifle discipline.

India entered the mixed team event with two formidable pairings, and both lived up to expectations during the qualification round. The combination of Sonam Uttam Maskar and Himanshu Dhillon produced an aggregate score of 634.6, comfortably securing their place in the medal round. Sonam contributed 317.2, while Himanshu matched her consistency with 317.4, demonstrating excellent rhythm across the qualification series.

Close behind them were the experienced duo of Elavenil Valarivan and Parth Rakesh Mane, who also booked a place in the final with a combined score of 634.2. Elavenil shot 316.8, while Parth equalled Himanshu's qualification score of 317.4. Having two teams qualify for the final reflected India's growing strength in air rifle events, where multiple athletes have consistently challenged for medals on the international stage over the past few years.

The final featured an intense battle against strong Chinese opposition, with both host nation teams displaying exceptional consistency throughout the contest. Sonam and Himanshu remained composed under pressure, producing balanced performances across every stage of the final. Both shooters contributed 220.6 points, combining for a total of 441.2, enough to secure the bronze medal ahead of the remaining finalists.

Their ability to maintain consistency through the elimination stages proved decisive as they held off the challenge from the second Indian pair to finish on the podium. Meanwhile, Elavenil Valarivan and Parth Rakesh Mane finished in fourth place after compiling 378.8 points. Elavenil contributed 190.5, while Parth added 188.3, narrowly missing out on another medal for India.

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Although only one Indian team reached the podium, the presence of two teams in the final once again highlighted the country's remarkable depth in rifle shooting.

For Sonam Uttam Maskar, the bronze medal adds another important chapter to an already impressive international career. The 23-year-old shooter from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, has steadily established herself among India's leading rifle shooters through consistent performances on the ISSF circuit. She previously won silver medals at the ISSF World Cup in Cairo and the ISSF World Cup Final in New Delhi in 2024. She also recorded a commendable fifth-place finish at the ISSF World Cup in Granada, further demonstrating her ability to compete against the world's best.

The Hangzhou bronze continues that upward trajectory and provides another confidence boost ahead of a busy international calendar that includes the Asian Games and the World Championships later this season. For Sonam, the medal also reinforces her reputation as one of India's most dependable performers in rifle events.

While Sonam has already experienced success at the senior level, the medal holds even greater significance for Himanshu Dhillon. The 20-year-old shooter from Jind, Haryana, was competing in his first-ever senior ISSF World Cup final, making the podium finish a memorable milestone in his young career. Himanshu has already enjoyed considerable success in junior competition.

In 2025, he captured the gold medal in the 10m Air Rifle Men Junior event at the ISSF Junior World Cup in New Delhi before following it up with another gold medal at the Asian Shooting Championships. His transition from junior success to the senior international circuit has now begun in ideal fashion. Winning a medal in his maiden senior World Cup final demonstrates both his composure and readiness to compete against some of the finest shooters in the world.

India has long relied on a strong pipeline of young shooting talent, and Himanshu's breakthrough performance suggests another promising athlete is ready to make an impact at the highest level.

The mixed team event once again showcased India's remarkable strength in rifle shooting. Having two teams qualify for the final is a reflection of the quality of athletes emerging through the national system, where depth has become just as important as individual excellence. Experienced names like Elavenil Valarivan continue to deliver consistent performances, while younger shooters such as Sonam Uttam Maskar and Himanshu Dhillon are increasingly stepping into leading roles on the international stage.

The ability to field multiple medal contenders in the same event is a positive indicator as India prepares for major competitions over the next two years.

The bronze medal in Hangzhou is another encouraging result for Indian shooting as preparations intensify for the Asian Games and the next ISSF World Championships. With four medals already secured at the ISSF World Cup Hangzhou, India has once again demonstrated its status as one of the strongest shooting nations in the world. Beyond the medal tally, the performances of emerging athletes like Himanshu Dhillon and the continued consistency of Sonam Uttam Maskar provide further optimism for the future.

As the Olympic qualification cycle gathers momentum, results such as these will not only boost confidence but also strengthen India's chances of sustaining its success on the global stage. The combination of experienced campaigners and talented young shooters continues to make Indian rifle shooting one of the country's most reliable sources of international medals.