Samrat's historic golden shot

20-year-old Samrat becomes the first Indian pistol shooter in an Olympic discipline to become world champion

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Young Indian shooter Samrat Rana came up with breathtaking show of marksmanship to clinch the men's 10m air pistol gold and make history at the prestigious ISSF World Championships here Monday.

The 20-year-old Samrat became the first Indian pistol shooter in an Olympic discipline to become world champion and, in the process, also helped India win the team gold in the event.

With three gold, three silver and as many bronze, India jumped from fifth spot to third as China led the table with six gold, four silver and two bronze medals.

Samrat, who hails from Karnal, shot an amazing 243.7 in the final to beat back the challenge of China's Hu Kai, who took the silver in a nerve-wracking medal round with a score of 243.3.