Key Points

Rajasthan's shooting duo Prachi and Mayank Choudhary secured the first gold of Khelo India Youth Games 2025 in a nail-biting 10m air pistol final. The pair overcame Uttar Pradesh's young team of Dev Pratap and Urva Chaudhary in a 17-15 thriller. Prachi, who won silver last edition, delivered a clutch 10.6 final shot to seal victory. Meanwhile, Delhi's Hardik and Niyamicka claimed bronze after surviving Haryana's late surge.

Key Points: Rajasthan's Prachi and Mayank Win Khelo India 2025 First Gold

  • Rajasthan duo edges Uttar Pradesh 17-15 in a tense final
  • 14-year-old Dev Pratap impresses in debut KIYG appearance
  • Delhi secures bronze after Haryana's late comeback falls short
  • Prachi improves on last edition's silver medal
2 min read

Khelo India Youth Games 2025: Rajasthan Air Pistol Mixed Team clinches first gold

Prachi and Mayank Choudhary clinch Rajasthan's first gold in a thrilling 10m air pistol mixed team final at Khelo India Youth Games 2025.

"Ups and downs were there during the match, and I’m happy my last shot was good enough to give us gold. – Prachi"

New Delhi, May 6

Rajasthan's Prachi and Mayank Choudhary clinched the first gold medal on offer in the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025 Bihar, winning a thrilling duel with Uttar Pradesh in the 10m air pistol mixed team final at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range here on Monday.

With the teams tied at 15-15, the soft-spoken and sharply focused Prachi, taking part in her second Khelo India Youth Games, shot 10.6 and helped Rajasthan win gold from 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. I'm happy to clinch the top prize with Mayank," said the 18-year-old from Bharatpur, Rajasthan. Prachi was part of a team that won silver last time.

One of the youngest participants, Dev Pratap, put up a solid performance for Uttar Pradesh in Monday's final. The 14-year-old Noida resident, taking part in his maiden Khelo India Youth Games, spoke with maturity.

"It is quite nice competing in the Games. Though I do not have much experience, I tried my best. Having patience was the key. During some shots, I felt I didn't have to fire and I delayed taking the shots by taking fresh aim," he said.

The 14-year-old and 17-year-old Urva Chaudhary gelled well. Khelo India Athlete Urva, competing in her third KIYG, praised her younger teammate. "It's really wonderful playing with him. He was shooting really well. There was a point in the final round where we were 2-10 down. But we covered up and tied the score at 15-15," she said.

In the bronze medal match, Delhi's Hardik Bansal and Niyamicka Rana defeated Haryana's Pratik Sheokand and Kanak 16-14. Delhi seemed set to run away with the match when it led 14-6. However, Haryana staged a solid comeback and led to a suspenseful finish.

Results: 10m Air rifle mixed pistol: Gold medal match: Rajasthan (Prachi and Mayank Choudhary) beat Uttar Pradesh (Urva Chaudhary and Dev Pratap) 17-15. Bronze medal match: Delhi (Niyamicka Rana and Hardik Bansal) beat Haryana (Kanak and Partik Sheokhand) 16-14.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
What a nail-biting finish! Prachi showed nerves of steel in that final shot. Rajasthan's shooting talent is really shining through. More power to our young athletes 🇮🇳 #KheloIndia
P
Priya M.
Dev Pratap at just 14 years old! Such maturity in his game and words. The future of Indian shooting looks bright with these youngsters. UP should be proud despite the silver 👏
A
Amit S.
While the performances were great, I wish Doordarshan would broadcast these events properly. Our young athletes deserve more visibility than just highlights on social media.
N
Neha T.
The team spirit between Urva and Dev was heartwarming to read about! That comeback from 2-10 down shows real grit. These games are creating wonderful sporting bonds across states 💛
V
Vikram J.
From Bharatpur to national glory! Prachi's journey is inspiring for small-town athletes. Hope this gold opens more opportunities for her. Rajasthan is becoming a sports powerhouse!
S
Sunita R.
The mixed team format is so exciting! Makes the competition more dynamic. Hats off to all participants - the scores show how closely matched our young shooters are becoming.

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