Shooting Competition
China dominates 10m air rifle mixed team at ISSF World Championship
China dominates 10m air rifle mixed team at ISSF World Championship
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Cairo, Egypt
In a stunning display at the 2025 International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Championship held in Cairo, Egypt, the Chinese team emerged victorious in the 10m air rifle mixed team event, securing both the gold and silver medals. Competing in an all-Chinese final, Wang Zifei and Sheng Lihao triumphed over their compatriots Peng Xinlu and Wang Honghao with a decisive score of 17-3, marking China's fourth consecutive world title in this particular discipline. Sheng, who had previously clinched the title in Baku two years prior, and Wang, competing fiercely after taking silver in the women's individual competition the day before, showcased exceptional skill and composure in their performance. Reflecting on their success, Olympic champion Sheng stated, "It felt pretty good. The venue feels familiar; the main difference is my mindset. Im more mature and steady now. Whether theres pressure or not, its almost the same for me because Im mentally more determined." This championship highlights an important trend in the shooting sports community: the evolution of mental preparedness as a critical factor in athletic performance. Shengs comments underscore how confidence levels can significantly impact execution, illustrating what many experts have long believed about the psychological aspects of competitive shooting. With hundreds of participants across several events, the ISSF World Championship serves as a prominent platform for athletes to establish their prowess on an international stage. As a representative of a generation of shooters who are honing both physical and mental disciplines simultaneously, Sheng noted an interesting shift in his own preparation. He acknowledged, "I wasnt very confident before and my technique wasnt great either, but this time I can clearly understand my goals and what I need to do." This sentiment was echoed throughout the competition, as many athletes expressed their focus on technique improvement over mere medal accumulation, suggesting a more collective understanding of long-term development in shooting sports. The bronze medal match saw Turkeys Damla Kose and Mert Nalbant defeat Italys Carlotta Salafia and Danilo Sollazzo with a score of 16-10, securing their first world championship medals, which adds to the competitive narrative of rising talents challenging traditional powerhouses in shooting sports. The event further included the men's 25m rapid-fire pistol competition, where France's Clement Bessaguet achieved victory with an impressive score of 31 hits, outpacing India's Anish Bhanwala and Ukraine's Maksym Horodynets. As the finals for both men's and women's 10m air pistol are set to take place, excitement builds in the shooting community. With new talent showcasing their skills, the dynamics of shooting competitions continue to evolve, promising exhilarating contests in the days to come. The ISSFs role in fostering international competition and championing the shooters is evident, as participants from various nations strive to excel in their respective categories.