On November 10, 2025, Samrat Rana, a 20-year-old shooter from Karnal, Haryana, made history by winning the men’s 10m air pistol gold at the ISSF World Championship in Cairo.
He became the first Indian to claim an individual air pistol world title in an Olympic event, scoring 243.7 points and narrowly defeating China’s Hu Kai by 0.4 points. Rana’s compatriot Varun Tomar also secured the bronze medal, completing a remarkable double podium for India.
The Indian trio, including Shravan Kumar, clinched the team gold as well. Officials including the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya hailed the achievement as a landmark moment for Indian shooting, highlighting the country’s growing prominence in the sport.
A Rising Star Breaks Through at Cairo
Samrat Rana’s journey to the pinnacle of the shooting world exemplifies a blend of perseverance, talent, and discipline. His breakthrough came in his first senior World Championship appearance, despite having competed strongly in junior categories previously.
His qualification round score of 586 (27x) was the highest, narrowly edging out teammate Varun Tomar, who also scored 586 (26x). The two had never achieved such a one-two finish at a world championship qualifier.
The final proved to be a gripping contest. Rana began with a slender 0.3-point lead but slipped briefly to third place midway through the competition. Demonstrating remarkable mental fortitude, he rallied with two perfect 10.9 shots under intense pressure, reclaiming the lead.
In the final shot, needing a minimum score of 10.3 to maintain his advantage, he delivered a 10.6, securing the gold. Varun Tomar handled the pressure brilliantly to win bronze with 221.7 points.
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) praised Rana’s performance, with President Kalikesh Singh Deo calling it historic. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya congratulated the young shooter, lauding his composure and tenacity.
Rana himself credited his father and coach for unwavering support and emphasised that his focus remained on technique rather than scoreboard distractions.
Background and Road to the World Title
Samrat Rana’s progress to this historic gold was marked by steady improvement and rigorous training. Starting in his hometown Karnal, he developed his skills in a discipline-focused culture mirrored by India’s shooting hubs like Dehradun’s Jaspal Rana Shooting Academy.
Although not directly coached by Jaspal Rana, Samrat was nurtured in the same atmosphere steeped in precision shooting traditions.
Earlier in 2025, Rana had a close brush with senior success at the ISSF World Cup in Ningbo, where he shot an impressive 582-20x, finishing 10th. He narrowly missed the final due to a few less inner 10s, pointing to moments of inconsistency under pressure.
This near miss became a turning point, refining his mental approach to handle cumulative pressure better.
Previously, he had made his mark at the junior level by winning gold medals in both men’s and mixed team air pistol events at the 2022 Junior World Championships in Cairo and the 2024 World University Games in Delhi.
His ascent to the senior squad was bolstered by consistent domestic performances including a notable victory over Olympic champion Saurabh Chaudhary in national trials.
A Triumph Beyond the Medal
Samrat Rana’s win is more than a sports achievement; it is a cultural milestone that elevates Indian shooting sports onto the global stage. India’s men’s 10m air pistol category had long been overshadowed internationally, and this title rewrites narratives around Indian potential and consistency.
Alongside Rana, Varun Tomar’s bronze and the men’s team gold – secured with Shravan Kumar’s 582 qualification – mark a dominant performance by the Indian pistol squad.
For India, this success signals the positive impact of strengthened training infrastructures and schemes like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), aimed at preparing athletes for podium finishes at major international events.
The Sports Authority of India plans to extend support to promising talents to build on this momentum ahead of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Samrat Rana’s triumph is a beacon of hope that illustrates how commitment, resilience, and comprehensive support systems enable emerging talent to soar.
It reminds us that success is not just individual but community-driven, relying on families, coaches, and institutions working in concert. This victory encourages a culture of encouragement and inclusivity in sports, fostering unity and national pride.
The Logical Indian believes that nurturing such champions requires sustained investment and focus not only on medals but also on the emotional and mental wellbeing of athletes.
As India celebrates this moment, it is also a call for continued dialogue on sports policies that ensure fair opportunities and long-term growth.
