The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) honored its top athletes on Friday in Doha, Qatar, recognizing achievements throughout the 2025 season. India’s Zoravar Singh Sandhu was a highlight of the evening, earning the People’s Choice Men’s Athlete of the Year award following a standout performance that included a bronze medal at the World Championships.The awards ceremony officially opened the ISSF World Cup Final 2025, setting the stage for another year of elite competition in the shooting sports.
India’s Zoravar Singh Sandhu has been voted the ISSF People’s Choice Men’s Athlete of the Year, the International Shooting Sport Federation announced Friday at its annual awards ceremony in Doha, Qatar.
The 48-year-old Indian shooter earned the honor after a remarkable season highlighted by a bronze medal at the Shotgun World Championship in Athens – his first individual podium finish in 18 years. Sandhu topped a global poll, finishing ahead of fellow Indian and former world champion Rudrankksh Patil.
Sandhu’s bronze in the men’s trap shooting event at the Malakasa Shooting Range marked only the third time an Indian athlete has medaled in the event at a Shotgun World Championship.
Manavjeet Singh Sandhu won gold in Zagreb in 2006, and Karni Singh secured silver in Cairo back in 1962, preceding Sandhu’s historic achievement. The ISSF awards ceremony also served as the opening event for the ISSF World Cup Final 2025 in Doha.
Norwegian shooter Jeanette Hegg Duestad enjoyed a dominant evening, claiming both the Women’s Rifle Athlete of the Year and the People’s Choice Women’s Athlete Award. The reigning 50m rifle 3 positions world champion proved a clear favorite among fans and peers alike.
Duestad’s teammate, Jon-Hermann Hegg, was also recognized, taking home the Men’s Rifle Athlete of the Year title.
The People’s Republic of China showcased its strength in pistol shooting, with Hu Kai winning the men’s category after a perfect season, sweeping all four ISSF World Cup stages. Sun Yujie earned the women’s crown in her debut season, going unbeaten in three appearances.
Rounding out the award winners, American trap specialists Vincent Hancock and Samantha Simonton were named the Men’s and Women’s Shotgun Athletes of the Year, respectively.
ISSF Athlete of the Year Awards 2025 winners
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ISSF Men’s Rifle Athlete of the Year 2025: Jon-Hermann Hegg (Norway)
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ISSF Women’s Rifle Athlete of the Year 2025: Jeanette Hegg Duestad (Norway)
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ISSF Men’s Pistol Athlete of the Year 2025: Hu Kai (China)
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ISSF Women’s Pistol Athlete of the Year 2025: Sun Yujie (China)
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ISSF Men’s Shotgun Athlete of the Year 2025: Vincent Hancock (USA)
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ISSF Women’s Shotgun Athlete of the Year 2025: Samantha Simonton (USA)
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ISSF People’s Choice Men’s Athlete Award 2025: Zoravar Singh Sandhu (India)
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ISSF People’s Choice Women’s Athlete Award 2025: Jeanette Hegg Duestad (Norway)
