India’s Sonam Maskar and Elavenil Valarivan missed out on medals in the women’s 10m air rifle event at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou on Saturday. Both shooters reached the final after strong qualification performances but could not finish on the podium.

Sonam Maskar, Elavenil Valarivan strong start ends without podium finish

Sonam Maskar impressed in qualification, finishing second with a score of 634.3, just 0.1 behind China’s Du Yuchen, who topped the standings with 634.4. Elavenil Valarivan also booked her place in the eight-woman final after scoring 632.8 to qualify in sixth position.

The Indian duo, however, could not carry their form into the final. Sonam finished fifth, while Elavenil ended sixth as both bowed out before the medal round.

China shines, India await another medal

China dominated the event with teenage shooter Du Yuchen clinching the gold medal. Japan’s Nobata Misaki took silver, while China’s Han Jiayu claimed bronze to complete the podium.

The result meant India remained with just one medal at the Hangzhou ISSF World Cup. Sainyam had earlier won silver in the women’s 10m air pistol event, which remains the country’s only medal so far.

Elavneil Valarivan made India proud.
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Although they missed the podium, both Sonam and Elavenil showed encouraging form by reaching the final. Sonam continued her consistent performances on the international stage after winning silver at the ISSF World Cup Final in New Delhi last year.

Sonam Maskar made India proud
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Elavenil, one of India’s most experienced rifle shooters, also added another final appearance to her record. She has enjoyed a strong season and will look to bounce back in the upcoming events.

India will now hope its remaining shooters can deliver more podium finishes as the ISSF World Cup continues in Hangzhou.