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
CAIRO, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- In a significant display of marksmanship, China secured gold and silver medals in the highly competitive 10m air rifle mixed team event during the 2025 International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Championship, held in Cairo. The duo of Wang Zifei and Sheng Lihao triumphed over their compatriots Peng Xinlu and Wang Honghao with a staggering score of 17-3 in the all-Chinese final. This victory not only marked their individual achievements but also highlighted China's dominance in the sport, as it served as their fourth consecutive world title in this event. Sheng Lihao, who retained his title from two years prior in Baku, expressed his satisfaction post-match, stating, "It felt pretty good. The venue feels familiar; the main difference is my mindset. I'm more mature and steady now." His perspective points to a critical aspect of competitive shooting: mental fortitude. Sheng attributes his improved performance to a deeper understanding of his techniques and clear goal-setting, reflecting significant progress since the 2022 Cairo World Championships. During the mixed team event, both athletes showcased extraordinary skill and composure. At just 20 years old, Sheng recognized the importance of mental determination, saying, "Whether there's pressure or not, it's almost the same for me because I'm mentally more determined." This kind of mindset is essential in high-stakes competitions where precision is paramount. Wang Zifei's win also adds a noteworthy accomplishment to her career, especially coming immediately after her success in the women's individual event where she took silver. As both competitors praised each other's determination and execution of techniques, it's clear that teamwork and mutual support are pivotal in such competitions. Sheng rated his performance as "50 points out of 100," emphasizing his focus on continual improvement rather than solely on medal counts. In the race for third place, Turkey's Damla Kose and Mert Nalbant emerged victorious against Italys Carlotta Salafia and Danilo Sollazzo, clinching the bronze with a score of 16-10. This victory marked a historic moment for the Turkish team, as they secured their first-ever world championship medals. The ISSF World Championship has always been a significant event in the shooting sports calendar, attracting top talent from around the globe. As shooters prepare for subsequent competitions, the men's and women's finals for the 10m air pistol are set to take place soon, generating considerable anticipation among fans and competitors alike. The strong performances from China and emerging competitors from countries like Turkey reaffirm the dynamic nature of shooting sports in the global arena. The blend of young talent and experienced champions in the competition highlights a broader trend of evolving strategies and mental approaches in the sport. As the championship progresses, insights from this competition could lead to increased interest in shooting sports among younger generations, particularly in nations looking to enhance their competitive edge internationally. This aligns with the growing emphasis on sports and youth engagement in various countries, including China, which is keen on fostering future talents in both recreational and competitive realms.