Seventeen-year-old Indian shooter Kanak Budhwar clinched the gold medal in the women’s 10-metre air pistol event at the ISSF Junior World Cup 2025 held in Suhl, Germany. Outperforming Moldova’s Anna Dulce, the reigning European champion and two-time Olympian, Kanak secured the title with a final score of 239.0, demonstrating exceptional composure and skill on the international stage.
Why in News?
This achievement has drawn national and international attention as Kanak Budhwar not only defeated a highly decorated opponent but also exemplified India’s rising prowess in shooting sports. The win is also significant as it marks a turning point in Kanak’s promising shooting career, paving the way for future Olympic ambitions.
Key Highlights
- Event: ISSF Junior World Cup 2025, Suhl, Germany.
- Achievement: Gold medal in women’s 10m air pistol.
- Score: 239.0 points.
- Runner-up: Anna Dulce (Moldova).
- Bronze: Chen Yen-Ching (Chinese Taipei).
Background
- Kanak Budhwar began her shooting journey five years ago at Abhinandan Shooting Academy in Rohtak under coach Sandeep Nehra.
- Initially advised to train in pistol instead of rifle shooting due to her underweight condition (32 kg).
- Her father, Sudhir Singh Budhwar, introduced her to the sport after trying shooting in Thailand.
Early Career
- First national medal: Silver in 10m air pistol (Sub-Youth category).
Major competitions
- Asian Junior Championships (2023) – Two team medals.
- Junior World Championships (2024, Lima) – Silver in individual event.
Technical Challenges Overcome
- Shoulder alignment issue: Left shoulder leaning forward caused pistol jerks.
- Small hand grip: Required custom adjustments.
- Training system used: SCATT system for precision analysis and correction.
Performance in the Final
- Started in third place, rose to the top in elimination series.
- Maintained composure under unfamiliar conditions, outperforming even stronger qualification shooters.
- Fellow Indian shooter Prachi finished fifth.
Expert Commentary
- Coach Sandeep Nehra: Highlights her posture, grip improvement, and mental strength.
- National Coach Sonia Rai: Praised her ability to adapt to unfamiliar shooting range designs in Germany.
- Focus on improving shot timing and reducing qualification stress.
Broader Significance
- Boost to India’s junior shooting ambitions.
- Encouragement for young athletes facing early challenges.
- Reinforces the importance of proper coaching and family support in sports careers.
| Summary/Static | Details |
| Why in the news? | Kanak Budhwar Shines: Gold in 10m Air Pistol at ISSF Junior World Cup |
| Event | ISSF Junior World Cup 2025 (Suhl, Germany) |
| Winner | Kanak Budhwar (India) |
| Medal | Gold – Women’s 10m Air Pistol |
| Runner-up | Anna Dulce (Moldova) |
| Key Equipment Used | SCATT Training System |
| Initial Hurdle | Underweight for rifle shooting |
| Significance | Major international victory; Olympic potential |
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