Precision and Power: Highlights from the 2025 ISSF World Cup in Ningbo
The 2025 ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol finale in Ningbo, China, served as a masterclass in precision shooting, concluding on September 15, 2025. Hosted at the Ningbo Olympic Sports Center, the event saw a dominant performance by the host nation and a series of world-record-breaking feats that underscored the evolving level of global competition.
China Dominates the Medal Table
China emerged as the powerhouse of the competition, securing the top spot in the overall medal standings. The host nation’s athletes displayed exceptional form, leading the tally with 34 total medals. Norway followed in second place with 21 medals, even as South Korea claimed the third position with 11 medals. Other notable performances came from the Czech Republic, India and Italy, all of which secured 11 medals each.
Key Event Breakdowns and Standout Performances
10m Air Rifle Men
The 10m Air Rifle Men’s final was a tightly contested battle. Danilo Dennis of Italy claimed the gold medal, edging out Olympic Champion Sheng Lihao of China, who took silver. South Korea’s Park Hajun rounded out the podium with a bronze medal.
25m Pistol Women
South Korean shooters dominated the 25m Pistol Women’s event. Jiin Yang secured the gold, followed by her teammate Yejin Oh with silver. China’s Jiaruixuan Xiao completed the podium with the bronze medal.
50m Rifle 3 Positions Men
In a significant victory for Norway, Duestad captured the gold medal in the 50m rifle 3 positions, marking his second win of the ISSF World Cup season.
World Records and Historic Milestones
The Ningbo event wasn’t just about medals. it was about pushing the boundaries of the sport. Several athletes etched their names into the record books:
- Sollazzo stunned the competition by setting a new world record.
- Peng broke a world record on the final day of the competition.
- Hu made history by becoming the first athlete to win four ISSF World Cup gold medals within a single year.
- Singh secured a victory in the women’s 10m pistol, holding off the world’s best shooters.
- Host Dominance: China led the medal standings with 34 medals.
- Asian Strength: Strong podium finishes from China and South Korea in both rifle and pistol events.
- Record Breaking: Multiple world records were set, including a historic four-gold haul by Hu.
- Event Duration: The competition ran from September 7 to September 15, 2025.
Final Medal Standings (Top 5)
| Rank | Country | Total Medals |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | China (CHN) | 34 |
| 2 | Norway (NOR) | 21 |
| 3 | South Korea (KOR) | 11 |
| 4 | Czech Republic (CZE) | 11 |
| 5 | India (IND) | 11 |
Looking Ahead
The conclusion of the Ningbo ISSF World Cup marks the complete of a high-intensity circuit. With the emergence of new world records and the historic achievement of athletes like Hu, the shooting world enters the next season with a redefined benchmark for excellence. The consistency of Asian shooters, particularly from China and South Korea, suggests a continued dominance in the rifle and pistol disciplines.
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