India’s Jitu-Heena win mixed event for 10m air pistol
New Delhi : The first two day were disappointing for Indian shooters as they were unable to bring any glory in the ongoing ISSF World Cup. The duo of Jitu Rai and Heena Sidhu triumphed in the 10m mixed team air pistol to clinch gold for India to open its account.
However, since the mixed event is being used on a trial basis in line with IOC’s aim to achieve gender equality in its 2020 Tokyo Olympics program, medals are not being awarded even though the International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) executive committee has ratified the recommendations.
The mixed event got its start with the 10m air rifle event at the World Cup on Saturday with China winning the gold medal over Japan.
In an event, where coordination plays a key role, Rai teamed up with Heena to finish ahead of Japan’s Yukari Konishi and Tomoyuki Matsuda 5-3. Slovenia’s Naphaswan Yangpaiboon and Kevin Venta were placed third.
The 24-year-old Ankur Mittal clinching the silver medal in a marathon double trap final finished second on the podium after he tallied 74, one behind gold medal winner James Willett of Australia. Great Britain's Steven Scott was third on the standings with 56.
