Samrat Rana Scripts History: Becomes India's First 10m Air Pistol World Champion
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In a remarkable display of skill and nerves of steel, 20-year-old Samrat Rana made history by becoming India's first-ever world champion in the 10m air pistol event at the ISSF World Championships in Cairo. Rana, who has been coached by his father since 2018, produced a stunning performance in the men's final, scoring 243.7 points to edge out China's Hu Kai by a mere 0.4 points. The Karnal-born marksman was visibly emotional after his victory, saying, "I still can't believe it." His father's coaching has clearly paid off, as Rana's performance marked a significant milestone in Indian shooting. The 20-year-old shooter had a memorable junior world championships in Cairo in 2022, where he won two medals. In a thrilling final, the lead changed hands multiple times among Rana, Hu Kai, and fellow Indian Varun Tomar. Rana's composure and technique ultimately paid off, securing him the top spot. He was not the only Indian shooter to excel, as Varun Tomar clinched the bronze medal with a score of 221.7, becoming the first Indian shooter to win a medal in the same event at the World Championships. The victory marked a historic day for India, with Rana and Tomar becoming the first Indian duo to win medals in the same event at the World Championships. Rana's triumph also marked a personal redemption, having narrowly missed qualification for the ISSF World Cup final earlier this year. With his determination and hard work, Rana proved that he is a force to be reckoned with in the world of pistol shooting.
