Overtaking Olympic giants China and US, India achieves topmost position in ISSF 2019 rankings

New Delhi, January 13: With its sparkling show through 2019, India finished the year as the top shooting nation in the world, leapfrogging Olympic heavyweights China and the USA.

 

 

In terms of overall medals, the tally stood at 21 gold, six silver and three bronze as India topped all the Rifle-Pistol World Cups and Finals in an unforgettable year. While India leads the standings with 30 medals overall, China is second with 11 gold, 15 silver and 18 bronze for a total of 44 podium finishes. The USA is placed third with 15 medals including six gold, six silver and three bronze.

 

The number of Olympic quotas, which now stands at a record 15, is not the only reflection of the country's rapid rise in the sport over the last one year but also sets up the shooters nicely for a record haul at the Tokyo Games, after the meltdown at Rio de Janeiro. Indian shooting's best show at the Olympics remains the two medals won at London in 2012.

 

 

 

In the mixed team events in the Finals that were held in Putian, China, Bhaker, partnering Artem Chernousov of Russia bagged gold in the 10 metre air pistol event, while Chaudhary returned with silver alongside Anna Korakaki of Greece. India returned with a bronze in the event as well, with Shahzar Rizvi, partnering Zorana Arunovic of Serbia.

 

In the 10 metre air rifle mixed team event at China, Panwar and Chandela returned with two medals (gold and silver respectively). While Panwar partnered Snjezana Pejcic of Croatia, Chandela teamed up with China’s Zhang Changhong.