India Secures Third Spot on Medals Tally After Thrilling Performances in Lima
In a spectacular show of talent and nerves, Indian shooter Arjun Babuta secured a silver medal in the men’s 10m air rifle event at the ISSF World Cup held in Lima, Peru. Meanwhile, debutant Arya Borse marked her maiden World Cup final appearance with an impressive fifth-place finish in the women’s 10m air rifle category. These stellar performances have helped India climb to third place in the overall medals tally at the prestigious event.
Arjun Babuta’s Thrilling Silver Medal Finish
Arjun Babuta, who represented India at the Paris Olympics in 2024, showcased remarkable composure and precision to clinch the silver medal. Competing against the world’s best shooters, Babuta delivered a series of consistent and high-scoring shots in the final. His final score of 252.3 was just a whisper away from the gold, which went to China’s reigning Olympic champion Sheng Lihao, who edged out Babuta by a mere 0.1 points with a score of 252.4.
The match was a nail-biting affair, with the lead exchanging hands multiple times between Babuta and Lihao. It came down to the final shot, where Lihao’s slightly better execution tilted the contest in his favor. Nonetheless, Babuta’s silver is a testament to his resilience and growing stature on the international shooting stage.
This marks one of the finest performances of Babuta’s career. Having narrowly missed a podium finish in Paris last year where he finished fourth, this silver medal signals his return to top form and cements his place as one of India’s top rifle shooters.
Arya Borse Shines Bright in Her First World Cup Final
While Arjun Babuta’s silver grabbed headlines, Arya Borse’s performance was equally commendable. Making her debut in a World Cup final, the young shooter held her own against experienced competitors and finished fifth in the women’s 10m air rifle event. For a first-timer on such a grand stage, her performance was both composed and promising.
Borse’s journey to the final itself was impressive. She qualified with solid scores and displayed exceptional maturity during the final, keeping pace with world-class opponents. Though she missed a podium finish, the experience gained will be invaluable for the 20-year-old going forward in her international career.
India’s Position in the Medal Tally
Thanks to Babuta’s silver and other consistent performances across events, India currently stands third on the medals tally at the ISSF World Cup in Lima. The competition, featuring top shooters from across the globe, has been intense, but India’s shooters have managed to deliver under pressure.
China continues to dominate the medals table, followed by the United States. India’s rise to third place underscores the nation’s growing prowess in shooting sports, especially in rifle and pistol events.
Looking Ahead: Olympic Preparation and Emerging Talent
The Lima World Cup serves as a crucial preparatory ground for Indian shooters ahead of upcoming international competitions, including the Asian Games and the Paris 2024 follow-up tournaments. Performances like Babuta’s and Borse’s offer a significant morale boost for the Indian contingent and coaching staff.
Arjun Babuta’s near-gold finish puts him on the radar as a serious medal prospect for future events. His ability to perform under pressure against the reigning Olympic champion speaks volumes about his technical refinement and mental strength.
Meanwhile, Arya Borse’s emergence on the global stage is another positive sign for Indian shooting. The country has seen a consistent rise in young female shooters in recent years, and Borse’s showing in Lima is expected to inspire many more.
Support from the Shooting Federation and Coaches
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing performances. The shooting federation, along with national coaches, has been working closely with athletes to improve consistency and mental conditioning, both of which were visible in Lima.
The ISSF World Cup performances also validate the recent structural reforms and training methodologies adopted by the Indian shooting setup. With a focus on overseas exposure, advanced analytics, and mental conditioning, the results are beginning to show.