India clinched a historic gold medal at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup (Rifle/Pistol) 2026 held in Granada, Spain. The pair of Mukesh Nelavalli and Palak Gulia triumphed in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event by setting a new world record score of 487.7. This victory marked India’s lone medal finish in a tournament where China dominated the overall standings.
A Historic Gold and a New World Record
The Indian duo of Mukesh Nelavalli and Palak Gulia delivered an exceptional performance in the final of the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event. They secured the gold medal by defeating the Chinese team of Yao Qianxun and Hu Kai, who settled for silver. The Indian pair finished with a total score of 487.7, which established a new World Record and Junior World Record in this category.
This achievement is particularly significant as it came during the ISSF World Cup held at the Las Gabias Shooting Range in Granada. The competition featured elite shooters from across the globe, and India’s success in this Olympic-discipline event highlights the country’s growing depth in the sport. The bronze medal in the mixed team event was won by the Hungarian pair of Veronika Major and Akos Karoly Nagy, who finished with a score of 414.9.
Profile of the Champions: Mukesh Nelavalli and Palak Gulia
Both Mukesh Nelavalli and Palak Gulia are rising stars in Indian shooting, having already made significant marks at the junior and continental levels. Mukesh, born in 2005, trains at the Gun For Glory Academy under the guidance of coach Chandrashekhar Choudhary. This gold medal in Granada marks his maiden victory at a senior ISSF World Cup, building on his success at the ISSF Junior World Championships in Lima, where he won the individual 25m Pistol title.
Palak Gulia, also born in 2005, hails from the Jhajjar district of Haryana. She gained international fame by winning the individual gold medal in the women’s 10m Air Pistol event at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Palak, who receives support from the Reliance Foundation, had also secured an Olympic quota for India for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The victory in Granada further solidifies her position as one of India’s most consistent pistol shooters.
Overall Rankings at the Granada World Cup
The ISSF World Cup (Rifle/Pistol) in Granada was dominated by China, which finished at the top of the medal standings. The Chinese contingent won a total of 13 medals, including 8 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze. Their performance underscored their continued dominance in the shooting sports globally.
Germany finished second in the standings with a total of 2 medals, comprising 1 gold and 1 silver. India secured the third position on the table with its single gold medal won by the mixed team. The tournament served as a crucial warm-up and ranking event for shooters ahead of major international competitions, including the upcoming World Championships.
The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF)
The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) is the global governing body for Olympic shooting events, including rifle, pistol, and shotgun disciplines. Established in 1907 as the International Shooting Union, it was renamed to the ISSF in 1998. The federation is responsible for organizing the ISSF World Cup series, which allows shooters to gain world ranking points and, in some cases, qualify for the Olympic Games.
Headquartered in Munich, Germany, the ISSF oversees competitions across all six inhabited continents. The current President of the ISSF is Luciano Rossi, an Italian sports administrator who was elected to the position in 2022. The federation works closely with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to ensure the sport remains a key part of the Olympic movement.
Key Takeaways
- India’s Mukesh Nelavalli and Palak Gulia won the gold medal in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event at the 2026 ISSF World Cup in Granada, Spain.
- The Indian pair set a new World Record and Junior World Record with a final score of 487.7.
- China topped the overall medal standings at the competition with 13 medals, including 8 gold.
- Palak Gulia is a common name in Indian shooting, having won individual gold at the 2022 Asian Games and secured an Olympic quota for India.
- The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), headquartered in Munich, Germany, was established in 1907.
- The current President of the ISSF is Luciano Rossi, who took office in 2022.
