Shooting Competition
S. Korean, German shooters earn golds in 10m air rifle at ISSF World Championship
S. Korean, German shooters earn golds in 10m air rifle at ISSF World Championship
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Cairo, Egypt
In a thrilling showcase of precision shooting prowess, Ban Hyo-jin from South Korea and Germany's Maximilian Dallinger clinched gold medals at the women's and men's 10m air rifle events, respectively, during the 2025 International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Championship held in Cairo, Egypt, this past Saturday. The championship, taking place from November 6 to 18, 2025, sees over 700 shooters competing for honors at the Egypt International Olympic City.
In the women's final, Olympic champion Ban Hyo-jin emerged victorious, scoring an impressive 255.0 points. Her performance was marked by intense competition, narrowly beating China's junior world champion Wang Zifei, who managed a score of 254.0, securing the silver. India's Elavenil Valarivan took home the bronze with a score of 232.0. The final match was electrifying, as both Ban and Wang, both 18 years old, remained neck-and-neck through the rounds, with Ban holding her composure to pull ahead.
"I understood that the World Championship would be more difficult than the Olympics, so I trained harder than usual to be on the top," Ban reflected after her victory. She acknowledged the mental preparation necessary for competing under high-stress conditions, noting, "I knew the crowd would be louder and the tension higher during the last shot, so I practiced for that mentally and told myself to treat it like the first shot."
Maximilian Dallinger's journey to gold in the men's 10m air rifle final was equally dramatic. Competing against champion shooter Victor Lindgren from Sweden, Dallinger scored 252.0 points, edging out Lindgren, who scored 251.7, by just 0.3 points. The reigning Olympic champion Sheng Lihao of China finished third, with a score of 229.9. Dallinger, who was trailing for much of the match, executed a remarkable comeback in the final rounds, showcasing his resilience and determination.
"The feeling is incredible," Dallinger exclaimed post-match. "It's my first individual World Championship medal. The World Cup is nice, but the World Championship is different - more people are here, everyone is in top form." He also expressed the emotional weight of the accomplishment, describing it as a significant comeback after a challenging period in his career, saying, "It was a very tough year for me, going up and down, and coming back like this means a lot. My next goal is to defend this title next year."
With such high-caliber athletes participating, the 2025 ISSF World Championship promises to elevate the competitive standards in the shooting sports community. The matches are raising the profile of air rifle shooting not just as a sport but also as an avenue for international representation and personal achievement for these athletes. As they look forward to future competitions, these victories could inspire a new generation of shooters.
Overall, the event highlights the growing popularity and competitiveness of shooting sports on the global stage, a sure indicator of the sport's evolution and the emphasis on skill and precision. ShoQ's Take: The feats of Ban Hyo-jin and Maximilian Dallinger not only signify personal triumphs but also reflect broader trends in the competitive shooting scene. The ISSF World Championship fosters a rigorous environment that elevates shooting standards worldwide. As these athletes push their limits, it beckons the community to engage more deeply in the sport, fostering skill development among newcomers and veterans alike. As shooting culture continues to evolve, it is essential to stay informed about emerging talents and technological advancements shaping the future of competitive shooting.