Shooting Competition
Anish clinches ISSF World Championships silver
Anish clinches ISSF World Championships silver
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Cairo, Egypt
Cairo, Nov 10: In a remarkable display of precision and resilience, Indias shooter Anish Bhanwala claimed a silver medal in the 25m rapid-fire pistol final at the ISSF World Championships, held in Cairo. This monumental achievement marks what is arguably the biggest medal of his career, serving as a significant comeback after a disappointing performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 23-year-old marksman from Haryana demonstrated his skills through two intense shoot-offs, showcasing the high stakes of competitive shooting. He first had to navigate a shoot-off for third place before taking on Ukraines Maksym Horodynets to secure the silver medal with a final score of 28. His performance underscored not only his technical abilities but also the mental fortitude required of elite athletes in the sport. Bhanwala entered the finals with confidence, qualifying in second place after delivering a strong performance with a qualification score of 585. This included a Stage 1 score of 291 on Saturday followed by an impressive 294 in Stage 2 on Sunday. His strong start positioned him well for the finals amid fierce competition. French shooter Clement Bessaguet took gold, posting a top qualification score of 589 and a final score of 31 points. Cairo has proven to be a favorable venue for Bhanwala, who previously secured a mixed team silver medal at the same championships in 2022 and has earned multiple World Cup medals in the city. This familiarity appeared to bolster his confidence, as he shot flawlessly in the opening series, scoring a perfect five shots. Having established a solid early momentum, he finished the initial series of five shots with an average score above his competitors. However, the competition intensified in the elimination rounds, where shooters face high-pressure scenarios that can dramatically affect the outcome. After leading at the start, Bhanwala faced stiff competition from China's Ni Zhixin and faltered slightly in the third elimination round, scoring only 22 points, placing him in a tight spot alongside several competitors vying for the podium. Despite these hurdles, Anish's resolve never wavered, and he managed to successfully navigate through the tie-breaker scenarios, first against Germany's Emanuel Mueller, securing a spot in the silver medal contention. In a show of mental strength and accuracy, he triumphed over Ukraine's Maksym Horodynets, clinching that silver medal which serves as a stepping stone toward his Olympic aspirations. Bhanwala's effort in this championship is only surpassed by the silver medal earned by fellow Indian shooter Vijay Kumar during the 2012 London Olympics, a benchmark that adds historical weight to Anish's achievement. The overall performance of the Indian team at the championships was commendable, with fellow competitors Adarsh Singh and Sameer finishing 22nd and 35th, respectively. Together, the Indian team aggregated a score of 1731, placing fifth overall and showcasing the depth of talent within the national shooting team. Early reports suggest that Bhanwala's personal growth from prior setbacks has been instrumental in his current success. His time spent training and competing, particularly in Cairo, may highlight a trend towards nurturing young talent in international competitions. For the broader shooting community, his achievements resonate beyond personal accolades, sparking renewed interests and discussions surrounding coaching practices and athlete development in India. This reflects the evolving narrative of Indian marksmen making significant marks on the global stage.