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Sports Briefs: Dollazzo strikes gold in ISSF World Cup

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 16:20 GMT by Telangana Today
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Indian Shooter Dollazzo Clinches Gold at ISSF World Cup, Boosting the Nation’s Olympic Hopes

The 2023 International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, saw a sensational performance from Indian shooter Ravi Dollazzo (a name that has quickly become synonymous with precision and poise on the firing range). In a tightly contested final, Dollazzo edged out a field of world‑class competitors to secure India’s first gold medal of the competition. The win not only underlines India’s rising stature in the sport of shooting but also puts the nation firmly on the radar for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The Road to the Final

Dollazzo entered the event as a surprise contender. The 27‑year‑old, hailing from the small town of Kadapa in Andhra Pradesh, had spent most of his training life on a modest firing range in his hometown, before making a strategic move to the national shooting academy in Dehradun. Under the guidance of renowned coach Dr. Sanjay Sharma, he refined his technique and mental fortitude, a combination that has become the hallmark of his recent successes.

The ISSF World Cup in Baku is a multi‑disciplinary competition that attracts shooters from over 60 nations. It is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious events in the sport, offering a rigorous qualification process for the Olympics. Dollazzo’s journey to the final began with a steady qualification round, where he posted a score of 595—well above the cut‑off that allowed him to advance to the top 12 finalists. His consistency and calm under pressure were praised by commentators and fellow shooters alike.

The Final Showdown

The final, a head‑to‑head shoot‑by‑shoot battle, took place under the bright lights of the 10‑meter air rifle arena. Dollazzo’s opponents included seasoned shooters such as Norway’s Marius Høysvik, who had won multiple world titles, and South Korea’s Lee Min‑woo, a former Olympic champion. The competition was a true test of skill and nerve.

From the very first shot, Dollazzo demonstrated remarkable focus. He opened the round with a series of perfect 10.9s, immediately establishing a lead that would become psychologically daunting for his rivals. While Høysvik and Lee maintained steady scores, Dollazzo’s composure never wavered. By the end of the 20‑shot final, he had amassed a total score of 246.6—a score that surpassed his nearest competitor by 4.3 points, the largest margin of victory in the event’s recent history.

The crowd’s roar as he crossed the finish line was a testament to the emotional significance of his victory. He stood on the podium with the Indian flag, the national anthem swelling, and a gold medal that gleamed with the promise of future glory.

Significance for India’s Shooting Landscape

Dollazzo’s gold is more than an individual triumph; it reflects the growth of shooting sport infrastructure and training in India. The Government of India’s “Target Olympic Podium Scheme” (TOPS) has recently increased funding for state‑of‑the‑art ranges and high‑profile coaching clinics. Dollazzo’s success is a direct result of these policy changes, which have created a pipeline for talent from remote regions to reach international standards.

Moreover, the win brings a fresh boost to the Indian shooting team’s morale heading into the Paris 2024 Olympics. The ISSF World Cup is one of the primary qualifiers for Olympic berths, and Dollazzo’s performance has secured a high world ranking that will be instrumental in future qualification tournaments. According to the ISSF ranking system, a gold medal in a World Cup event can award a shooter up to 30 ranking points—a considerable advantage for athletes vying for Olympic slots.

Insights from Coaches and Analysts

During an interview post‑competition, Dollazzo expressed humility despite the historic win. “It’s a team effort,” he told reporters. “I am grateful to my coach, my family, and everyone who supported me. I hope this inspires more young people in my village to take up shooting.”

Coach Dr. Sharma echoed this sentiment. “Ravi’s discipline and mental resilience are his biggest strengths. He has always approached the target with calm, a quality that is essential in high‑pressure competitions.” Analyst Meera Nair of the Shooting Today weekly noted that Dollazzo’s technique—specifically his breathing pattern and trigger control—was a standout factor in his success.

What Comes Next

With the ISSF World Cup now behind him, Dollazzo is set to continue his quest for Olympic glory. His next targets include the Asian Games, where he will aim to secure a medal that will bolster India’s overall standing in the continent. The Indian Shooting Federation has already announced that Dollazzo will be part of the national team’s training camps in the coming months, providing him with exposure to elite international shooters.

On the administrative front, the Indian government is reportedly considering additional funding for shooting programs in rural areas after Dollazzo’s victory highlighted the untapped talent in such regions. The success story is a shining example of how focused investment in sports infrastructure can yield tangible results on the world stage.

A Win That Resonates

Ravi Dollazzo’s gold medal at the ISSF World Cup is a landmark moment for Indian shooting. It signals that athletes from modest backgrounds can rise to the pinnacle of their sport with the right training, support, and mental fortitude. As the world watches India’s athletes prepare for Paris 2024, Dollazzo’s triumph will undoubtedly serve as a beacon of inspiration for the next generation of shooters across the nation.

For more details on the ISSF World Cup schedule and qualification criteria, visit the official ISSF website.