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) -- China affirmed its dominance in the shooting sports arena, winning both gold and silver medals in the highly competitive 10m air rifle mixed team event at the 2025 International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Championship. The finals, which took place on Sunday, saw Wang Zifei and Sheng Lihao square off against their fellow compatriots Peng Xinlu and Wang Honghao in a thrilling all-Chinese showdown.
Demonstrating exceptional skill and composure under pressure, Wang and Sheng achieved a decisive victory with a score of 17-3, marking their fourth consecutive world title in this discipline. This victory not only highlights their individual talents but underscores China's continuing supremacy in the sport, particularly in air rifle events.
Sheng Lihao, retaining the title he secured two years ago in Baku, shared his reflections on the match, expressing satisfaction with his performance. "It felt pretty good," the Olympic champion remarked. He conveyed how the familiarity of the venue contributed to a more favorable mindset, despite the inherent pressure that accompanies high-stakes competitions. "I'm mentally more determined now," he added, signaling a growth in confidence and maturity since the last championship held in Cairo in 2022.
This victory was particularly poignant for Wang, who also achieved a silver in the women's individual event just a day prior. The 20-year-old athlete showcased not only her shooting capabilities but also her capacity to thrive under competitive conditions. Sheng acknowledged the importance of teamwork and support in achieving their goals, praising both his former partner, Huang Yuting, and current teammate Wang Zifei as composed and technique-oriented individuals.
Reflecting on his journey in the sport, Sheng rated his overall performance as "50 points out of 100," emphasizing a focus on technical improvement rather than merely accumulating medals. This commentary suggests a commitment to personal growth and skill refinement that transcends the competitive landscape, perhaps mirroring trends in sports psychology that prioritize mental resilience alongside physical capability.
In the contest for bronze, Turkey's Damla Kose and Mert Nalbant emerged victorious, defeating Italy's Carlotta Salafia and Danilo Sollazzo with a score of 16-10, also marking their first medals at a world championship level. This outcome symbolizes not only the depth of talent present among global competitors but also the shifting dynamics within the sport, as nations like Turkey begin to carve out their own identities in competitive shooting.
In other events during the championship, France's Clement Bessaguet secured victory in the men's 25m rapid-fire pistol event, recording 31 hits to beat India's Anish Bhanwala and Ukraine's Maksym Horodynets. The excitement of the championships continues, with the men's and women's 10m air pistol finals scheduled for the following day, promising more thrilling action and potential upsets.
From the remarkable performances showcased, it is evident that the landscape of competitive shooting is evolving, with emerging athletes making their marks and established competitors continually pushing their limits. As more nations invest in shooting sports and talented young athletes rise through the ranks, the future of international shooting competitions looks robust.
The recent results at the ISSF World Championship reflect not only individual athlete prowess but also broader trends in shooting sports. Early indicators suggest a growing competitive field as nations diversify their training approaches and talent development strategies. This evolution, paired with an increasing international focus on air rifle events, might eventually impact training programs globally. For the shooting community, these dynamics highlight the importance of adaptability and mental resilience, as competitiveness continues to rise on the world stage.