India’s shooting fraternity is celebrating a moment of pride tinged with heartbreak. Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, the reigning Asian champion and one of India’s most consistent rifle shooters, clinched a superb silver medal in the men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions (3P) at the ISSF World Championships. The 24-year-old came within a whisker of the world title, missing out on gold by just 0.2 points after a nail-biting finale that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Record-Equaling Brilliance in Qualification
Even before the high-pressure final, Tomar had underlined his class and composure. In the qualification round, he shot a breathtaking 597 out of 600 — including two perfect 200/200 series in the Kneeling and Prone positions. This stellar score not only placed him at the top of the qualification table but also equaled the existing Men’s 3P Qualification World Record.
It was the kind of display that reminded everyone why Tomar is regarded as one of India’s finest technical shooters. Every shot reflected an exceptional balance of precision and mental control, qualities honed through years of training and competition at the highest level.
The Nerve-Racking Final Shootout
The eight-man final turned into one of the most dramatic contests of the championship. The chief battle was between Tomar and China’s Olympic champion, Liu Yukun. Tomar endured a shaky start, slipping to the bottom of the standings after a wayward shot in the Kneeling position. But what followed was a masterclass in recovery and resilience.
Using his favored Prone position, Tomar mounted a determined comeback, steadily climbing back into contention. His control over breathing and rhythm allowed him to deliver a string of near-perfect 10s. By the time the competition reached the final Standing phase — the most physically demanding segment of the event — the Indian had erased the early deficit.
The final few series evolved into a tense two-man duel. The lead exchanged hands multiple times, with both shooters displaying extraordinary nerve under pressure. Going into the decisive shot, Tomar held a razor-thin advantage of 0.1 points. Liu, shooting first, registered a 10.1. Tomar needed at least a 10.2 to clinch gold. Under intense tension, his final bullet struck a 9.8 — agonizingly short of the mark. The final scores read 467.1 for Liu and 466.9 for Tomar.
A Milestone Achievement for Indian Shooting
Despite the heartbreak, Tomar’s silver marks a landmark in his career — his first-ever individual World Championship medal at the senior level. It adds to a growing list of international honors, including World Cup medals and a strong showing at the Asian Games.
Speaking after the event, Tomar reflected with maturity beyond his years. “It was very tense out there. I could feel my heartbeat during the last shot,” he admitted. “I delayed my trigger, and that affected the score. These are lessons to learn. I’m happy to win a World Championship silver for India.”
Tomar’s performance reinforces India’s stature in world shooting and signals a bright road ahead for future tournaments at global stage. His consistency, mental toughness, and ability to perform under pressure mark him as one of India’s brightest hopes for future global glory. This silver, earned through grit and precision, is not just a medal — it’s a statement that Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar has arrived among the world’s elite. The gold may have slipped away this time, but the promise of future triumphs shines even brighter.
