In front of a strong international field featuring athletes from Asia, Europe and the Americas, Kamble led an Indian double podium, while Bulgaria's Maria Encheva Atanasova secured silver to complete the medal standings.
India's Sejal Kamble captured the gold medal in the 10m Air Pistol Women Junior event at the ISSF Junior World Championship Suhl 2026 on 18 June, delivering a composed performance to finish atop a highly competitive field.
Kamble secured victory with 240.2 points, holding off Bulgaria's Maria Encheva Atanasova, who earned silver with 235.8, while fellow Indian athlete Himanshi Himanshi claimed bronze after finishing third with 217.6.
The Indian athlete entered the final as one of the strongest contenders following a series of impressive performances on the international junior circuit. In Suhl, she maintained her composure throughout the elimination stages and produced a strong finish, including a decisive 10.5 on her final shot, to secure the world title.
Kamble secured victory with 240.2 points, holding off Bulgaria's Maria Encheva Atanasova, who earned silver with 235.8, while fellow Indian athlete Himanshi Himanshi claimed bronze after finishing third with 217.6.
The Indian athlete entered the final as one of the strongest contenders following a series of impressive performances on the international junior circuit. In Suhl, she maintained her composure throughout the elimination stages and produced a strong finish, including a decisive 10.5 on her final shot, to secure the world title.
Silver medallist Maria Encheva Atanasova continued the rise of Bulgarian pistol shooting with another significant international result. The young athlete showed remarkable resilience after a slow start to the final, steadily climbing the rankings and producing several excellent series, including back-to-back 10.8s during the middle stages of the contest. Her silver medal adds to an already promising junior career that has seen her feature prominently in European and ISSF competitions.
The bronze medal went to Himanshi Himanshi, giving India a second place on the podium. The Indian athlete has established herself as one of the country's leading junior pistol talents and once again demonstrated consistency under pressure. Her bronze medal further underlined India's strength and depth in women's pistol events at the junior level.
Just outside the medals, Vanshika Chaudhary (IND) finished fourth. Chaudhary, a multiple international junior medallist and one of India's most accomplished young pistol athletes, looked set to challenge for a podium place before an unfortunate zero score ended her medal hopes.
Cheng Yen-Ching (Chinese Taipei) placed fifth after a solid final performance. The young athlete has steadily progressed through the junior ranks and once again demonstrated her ability to compete among the world's best.
Cheng Yen-Ching (Chinese Taipei) placed fifth after a solid final performance. The young athlete has steadily progressed through the junior ranks and once again demonstrated her ability to compete among the world's best.
Competing as an Individual Neutral Athlete, Aliaksandra Piatrova finished sixth. The talented pistol athlete reached the world championship final after a strong qualification performance and gained valuable experience on one of the sport's biggest junior stages.
Seventh place went to Eva Allan (USA), who continued her development as one of the emerging athletes in the American junior programme. Reaching a world championship final represents another important milestone in her international career.
Seventh place went to Eva Allan (USA), who continued her development as one of the emerging athletes in the American junior programme. Reaching a world championship final represents another important milestone in her international career.
Tea Mikec (SRB), competing in her first ISSF Junior World Championship final, finished eighth. The Serbian athlete showed great promise throughout the competition and will undoubtedly benefit from the experience gained in Suhl.
The result reinforces India's status as one of the dominant nations in junior pistol shooting, with two athletes on the podium and three finalists among the top eight. The ISSF Junior World Championship Suhl 2026 continues through 26 June, featuring the world's best young rifle, pistol and shotgun athletes competing for international honours.
The result reinforces India's status as one of the dominant nations in junior pistol shooting, with two athletes on the podium and three finalists among the top eight. The ISSF Junior World Championship Suhl 2026 continues through 26 June, featuring the world's best young rifle, pistol and shotgun athletes competing for international honours.