The world of Indian shooting is witnessing the emergence of a new phenomenon, one whose technique and temperament are drawing comparisons to the sport's global superpower. At just 19 years of age, Suruchi Phogat has not only climbed to the pinnacle of the 10m air pistol rankings but has done so with a distinctive, fast-paced approach that is being dubbed the 'Chinese style'.
The 'Chinese Style' Phenomenon: Speed Over Deliberation
In a discipline where shooters are often advised to be patient and deliberate, Suruchi Phogat has rewritten the playbook. Her signature move is her breathtaking speed. While many elite competitors take their time, holding the pistol steady for extended periods, Suruchi typically releases her shot within a mere six to eight seconds of raising her weapon.
This methodology, orchestrated by her coach Suresh Singh, is a strategic masterstroke. It deliberately avoids 'muscle creep'—the subtle tremors that set in as muscles fatigue during a long aim. "It looks rushed if you're not used to it," admits Coach Suresh, who previously guided Manu Bhaker. "But it's actually very efficient and helpful. If you shoot fast, there's no time for doubt."
The efficiency is staggering. In qualification rounds where shooters have 75 minutes for 60 shots, Suruchi often finishes her match in just 35 to 40 minutes. Yet, this speed never compromises precision. Her scores remain consistently world-class, proving she is executing a calculated process, not a hurried reaction.
A Meteoric 2025: Golden Hat-Trick and a World Record
Suruchi's 2025 season was nothing short of a clinical takeover of the ISSF World Cup circuit. Her senior debut in Buenos Aires was meant for learning; instead, it became a declaration. She seized gold with a score of 244.6, announcing herself as a contender, not just a prospect.
She swiftly proved it was no fluke. In Lima, she edged out the experienced double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker for her second consecutive gold. The hat-trick was completed at the hallowed ranges of Munich, the 'Mecca of Shooting', where she held her nerve to beat France's Camille Jedrzejewski by a razor-thin 0.2 points.
The year's crowning glory came at the ISSF World Cup Final in Doha in December 2025. Facing a field packed with Olympic champions and former world number ones, Suruchi started slowly but staged a characteristic comeback. Her final score of 245.1 did more than secure her fourth gold of the year—it shattered the Junior World Record held by Manu Bhaker since 2019.
The Secret Weapon: A Wrestler's Composure
Behind the rapid trigger finger lies an ironclad mental fortitude, which coaches trace to an unlikely foundation: wrestling. Before a collarbone injury pivoted her to shooting, Suruchi was an aspiring wrestler, learning balance and body control under intense physical stress.
This background manifests in her rock-solid shooting stance. Her lower body remains rigid and her core locked, isolating the movement to her trigger finger. More importantly, it forged her phenomenal recovery ability. In pistol shooting, a single poor shot can spiral into panic. Suruchi, however, treats a low score as mere statistical noise. At the Doha final, she opened a series with an 8.8 but followed it with four shots above 10.5, including a perfect 10.9.
"She doesn't get disturbed, doesn't take much tension," says Coach Suresh. "She thinks, 'If I have made a mistake, I only can amend it'."
As whispers of the 'Chinese style' grow louder across shooting ranges from Delhi to Doha, a crucial correction is being made. The style may draw inspiration, but the execution is uniquely Indian. With a philosophy of speed, a wrestler's calm, and a season of historic gold, Suruchi Phogat is not just the future of Indian shooting—she is its electrifying present.
