Fresh off a world record-breaking performance at the ISSF Rifle/Pistol World Cup 2026 in Spain, Palak Gulia is fast cementing her place among the elite names in global shooting. The 20-year-old Indian, competing in the 10m air pistol mixed team event alongside Mukesh Nelavalli, combined for a staggering score of 487.7, setting a new world record and underlining her growing stature on the international stage.
For Palak, this latest achievement is not an isolated high. It’s the continuation of a journey marked by steady progression, resilience, and an unshakeable temperament in pressure situations.
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Hailing from Nimana village in Jhajjar district of Haryana, her entry into shooting was far from conventional. Introduced to the sport during her school years almost by chance, what began as a passing interest quickly revealed itself as a serious calling. Recognising her potential early, her family made significant sacrifices, including relocating, to ensure she had access to better training facilities and coaching. That support system, coupled with her discipline, laid the groundwork for her rise.
Palak’s ascent through the junior circuit was swift and decisive. A gold medal at the ISSF Junior Cup in Suhl in 2022 signalled her arrival as one of India’s most promising young shooters, offering a glimpse of what was to come as she transitioned into the senior ranks.
Palak shines at Asian Games
Her true breakthrough, however, came at the Asian Games 2022. In a high-quality field, Palak delivered a composed and clinical performance to clinch gold in the women’s 10m Air Pistol event with a score of 242.1, setting a Games Record. It was a defining moment, not just for the medal but for the manner in which she handled the occasion, displaying maturity well beyond her years. She followed it up with a silver medal in the women’s team event alongside Esha Singh and Divya Thadigol, further underlining her consistency.
Like most elite athletes, her journey has also included setbacks. A shoulder injury in 2022 briefly halted her momentum, forcing her to step away at a crucial phase of her development. But the response to that challenge revealed another dimension to her character. She returned sharper, placing greater emphasis on mental conditioning, an often decisive factor in a sport where margins are measured in decimals.
Backed by the Reliance Foundation, Palak has had access to high-performance training environments and international exposure, both of which have played a key role in refining her technical and mental game. The results are now evident.
Her World Record in Spain is as much about execution as it is about evolution. It reflects an athlete who has learned to thrive under pressure, who understands her process, and who continues to push the boundaries of her own performance.
At just 20, Palak Gulia represents the new face of Indian shooting, fearless, composed, and relentlessly driven. With major competitions on the horizon, including Olympic cycles that will define careers, she is no longer just a rising talent. She is a serious contender, shaping the future of the sport with every shot she takes.