Indian shooting sensation Saurabh Chaudhary has made a triumphant return to the international circuit, claiming a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol event at the ISSF World Cup 2025 in Lima, Peru. This comeback marks a defining moment in the 22-year-old’s career, as he returns to form after nearly two years away from the global competitive stage.
Saurabh, who once stunned the world with his performance as a teenager, showed that his sharp aim and nerves of steel are still intact. He finished with a score of 219.1, behind China’s Kai Hu, who took gold with a dominant 246.5, and Brazil’s Felipe Almeida Wu, who secured silver.
The final featured some of the sport’s most decorated names, including Olympic gold medallist Yu Xie, raising the bar of competition. Saurabh started strong, placing second in the early rounds. However, a slight slump in Series 3 and 4 caused him to fall to fifth position after some inconsistent shots. His response was composed and strategic, pushing him back into the top three in the final stages.
The contest also saw Varun Tomar, Saurabh’s cousin, finish in fourth place. Varun had a steady performance but lost his podium chance after two low-scoring shots (9.1 and 9.7) at a critical juncture.
This bronze adds to Saurabh’s recent achievements. Just a week earlier, he clinched a mixed team bronze in Buenos Aires alongside Suruchi Phogat, reaffirming his comeback narrative. His back-to-back medal performances signal India’s renewed strength in shooting sports as the country begins preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Saurabh’s resurgence is not just a personal victory, but a boost for the Indian shooting contingent’s morale. With younger shooters like Varun Tomar rising through the ranks, India’s future in precision shooting appears bright.
As Lima 2025 concludes, Saurabh’s bronze is more than a medal—it’s a statement. A reminder that champions may fall silent, but they rarely fade.