Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 26: India delivered a commanding performance at the ISSF Junior World Championship 2026 in Suhl, Germany, finishing at the top of the medal standings with an impressive collection of 24 medals, including seven gold, eight silver and nine bronze.
The Indian contingent made an outstanding start to the competition as Sejal Kamble clinched the gold medal in the 10m Air Pistol Women Junior event, while Himanshi secured the bronze. India strengthened its early lead when Sejal, Vanshika Choudhary and Navya Bishnoi combined to win gold in the women's team competition.
India's momentum continued throughout the championship with Sameer striking gold in the 25m Rapid Fire Pistol Men Junior event and Rohit Kanyan emerging champion in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions Men Junior category. Prachi Gaikwad added a silver medal in the women's 50m Rifle 3 Positions event, while the Indian teams secured bronze in both the men's 50m Rifle 3 Positions and 25m Rapid Fire Pistol competitions.
Congratulating the young shooters, National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo hailed the team's remarkable consistency.
"Topping the medal tally at a World Championship for the second consecutive edition is an exceptional achievement. What is particularly satisfying is that the medals were spread across rifle and pistol disciplines, as well as individual, mixed and team events. It reflects the strength of India's grassroots shooting programme and the tremendous depth of talent emerging across the country," he said.
India's medal surge continued as Anvii Rathod claimed bronze in the 10m Air Rifle Women Junior event before Pritam Kendre captured gold in the men's competition. The country also earned bronze medals in the 25m Pistol Women Junior Team and Men Junior Team events.
In the 10m Air Pistol Men Junior competition, Shiva Narwal finished with silver while Yug Pratap Singh Rathore claimed bronze, giving India a double podium finish. Narwal later partnered with Sandeep Bishnoi and Chirag Sharma to secure silver in the team event and teamed up with Vanshika Choudhary for another silver in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event.
NRAI Secretary General Pawankumar Singh praised the composure displayed by the junior shooters under challenging conditions.
"Suhl is one of the toughest venues for young athletes because of the high level of competition. Our shooters handled the pressure admirably and consistently delivered podium finishes. This success is equally a tribute to the coaches, support staff and families who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Our next objective is to help these athletes make a smooth transition into the senior circuit," he said.
India finished the championship on a high with another string of medals in the closing events. Abhinav Deshwal won gold in the 25m Standard Pistol Men Junior event, while Shambhavi Shravan Kshirsagar and Abhinav Shaw secured gold in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team Junior competition.
The trio of Abhinav Deshwal, Jatin and Abhinav Choudhary added silver in the 25m Standard Pistol Men Junior Team event. Shaurya Dilip Bharne earned silver in the 25m Standard Pistol Women Junior category, with Riya Duggal taking bronze.
On the final day, Raj Chandra claimed bronze in the 50m Pistol Men Junior event, while Yogesh Kumar, Prateek and Abhinav Choudhary secured silver in the men's team competition. Aishwarya Ravichandra Balehosur capped India's memorable campaign with a silver medal in the 50m Pistol Women Junior event, ensuring the country finished comfortably at the summit of the championship medal table.