New Delhi: In the vibrant city of Buenos Aires, shooting sensation Vijayveer Sidhu has made history by securing India’s fourth gold medal at the ISSF World Cup. His victory in the men’s 25m rapid-fire pistol event marks a pivotal moment, not only for himself but also for the aspirations of future Indian athletes. Sidhu’s triumph is a testament to his resilience and strategic brilliance, as he outmaneuvered seasoned competitors under testing conditions.
The men’s 25m rapid-fire pistol final was a nail-biting affair, with Sidhu and Italy’s Riccardo Mazzetti locked in a fierce battle. Sidhu’s steady nerve allowed him to edge out Mazzetti by a single point, posting a score of 29 to claim the gold. The bronze medal was secured by Chinese teenager Yang Yuhao, who demonstrated remarkable skill despite his tender age.
Sidhu’s past experiences in national trials and competitions proved invaluable. Having shared the stage with accomplished Indian shooters like Gurpreet and Anish, Sidhu drew on these experiences to guide his performance. The event unfolded against a backdrop of challenging conditions, with Mazzetti initially surging ahead by hitting 14 out of the first 20 targets. However, Sidhu’s determination saw him overcome a rocky start and eventually surpass Mazzetti with a perfect five in his fifth series. Both Sidhu and Mazzetti were tied after the seventh series, setting the stage for a thrilling finale in which Sidhu’s precision won out, securing the gold with four hits in the final series.
This victory contributes significantly to India’s impressive medal haul at the ISSF World Cup. With a total of six medals, including four golds, India’s shooting contingent has made a powerful statement on the global stage.
