Khelo India Youth Games 2025: Rajasthan Clinches First Gold In Air Pistol Mixed Team Event

Rajasthan’s Prachi and Mayank Choudhary secured the first gold medal of the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025 in Bihar, triumphing in a nail-biting 10m air pistol mixed team final against Uttar Pradesh at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range on Monday.

With the score level at 15-15, it all came down to the final shot. Prachi, calm and focused, delivered a near-flawless 10.6 to seal the victory for Rajasthan over Uttar Pradesh’s Dev Pratap and Urva Chaudhary.

“Ups and downs were there during the match, and I’m happy my last shot was good enough to give us gold,” said 18-year-old Prachi, a Bharatpur native competing in her second KIYG. “I’m happy to clinch the top prize with Mayank.” Last year, she had to settle for silver.

One of the youngest competitors, 14-year-old Dev Pratap from Noida, impressed with his composed performance. Competing in his first KIYG, he reflected maturely on the experience: “It’s quite nice competing in the Games. Though I don’t have much experience, I tried my best. Having patience was the key. During some shots, I felt I didn’t have to fire, so I paused and took fresh aim.”

His partner, 17-year-old Urva Chaudhary, a Khelo India athlete and three-time KIYG participant, praised Dev’s poise under pressure. “It’s really wonderful playing with him. He was shooting really well. At one point, we were trailing 2-10 in the final round, but we fought back to level at 15-15,” she said.

In the bronze medal match, Delhi’s Hardik Bansal and Niyamicka Rana edged out Haryana’s Pratik Sheokand and Kanak 16-14. Delhi had a commanding 14-6 lead, but Haryana mounted a spirited comeback, making it a tense finish.

Results:

Gold Medal Match: Rajasthan (Prachi and Mayank Choudhary) defeated Uttar Pradesh (Urva Chaudhary and Dev Pratap) 17-15

Bronze Medal Match: Delhi (Niyamicka Rana and Hardik Bansal) defeated Haryana (Kanak & Pratik Sheokand) 16-14