Shooting World Cup: NRAI hails India's performance

New Delhi [India], March 4 (ANI): National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) on Sunday hailed Indian shooters and said that their performance in the ongoing International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup in Mexico has been thrilling so far.

India had clinched three medals- a gold and two bronze - as well as set a new record by the end of the first day of the event.

Competing at the event, young shooter Shahzar Rizvi shot a world record and bagged gold with 242.3 in the 10m air pistol event's final to beat reigning Olympic champion Christian Reitz of Germany.

Commenting on India's first day performance, NRAI president, Raninder Singh said, "I am thrilled that our faith in youngsters is giving results."

"This was a stupendous performance particularly from Shahzar as not only did he win gold in his first senior World Cup, but did so with a world record score."

Meanwhile, Mehuli, also shot a world junior record with the score of 228.4 to win bronze in the women's 10m air rifle event.

"Mehuli also needs to be equally nodded as she is still a junior and to come up with a junior world record and a medal on debut at a Senior World Cup is no mean feat," Raninder said.

He added, "I wish the rest of the squad all the very best as well. We have key international events lined up throughout the year and a performance like this by youngsters of the squad bodes well."

Veteran Jitu Rai won a bronze in men's 10m air pistol as he shot 219 to finish after Germany's Reitz.

India's Om Prakash Mitharval finished fourth with a score of 198.4.

The Day Two of the event on Sunday also has two finals lined up with the men's 10m air rifle and women's 10m air pistol.

While Deepak Kumar, Ravi Kumar and Arjun Babuta will carry India's hopes in the men's event, Mahima Agrawal, Manu Bhaker and Yashaswini Singh Deswal will be in the fray in the women's. (ANI)