After falling short on the Olympics stage, India's premier shooters Heena Sidhu and Jitu Rai made a brilliant comeback to win back their fans with a 'gold badge' on the fifth day of the ISSF World Cup at the Karni Singh Ranges in New Delhi.

Ending a series of poor results over the weekend, India found their way back to the podium with pistol shooters Jitu and Heena teaming up to strike gold in the mixed team event of the tournament.

Proud moment 4 #India: @JituRai /@HeenaSidhu10 won #Gold against #Japan #Final Mixed Team 10M AirPistol #Shooting @ #ISFWC .Congrats! #SAI?? pic.twitter.com/I6YaOwEMPX

— SAIMedia (@Media_SAI) February 27, 2017

Despite trailing in the semi-final stage, the Indian duo made a spirited comeback in the contest to win 5-3. They finished ahead of Japan's Yukari Konishi and Tomoyuki Matsuda. Slovenia's Naphaswan Yangpaiboon and Kevin Venta notched up the third place.

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It was for the first time the mixed team event was featured in the ISSF World Cup. The event will become official only when the International Olympic Committee grants its approval to the changes recommended by the International Shooting Sport Federation.

Congratulations to @JituRai and @HeenaSidhu10 for winning gold medal in ISSF Shooting World Cup. We are so proud of you. #ISSFWC. pic.twitter.com/864E1LPhwP

— Bikram Majithia (@bsmajithia) February 27, 2017

Talking about his experience in the new event, Jitu revealed: "I am trying to figure out how it works. We are having a little difficulty right now as far as coordination is concerned but once the rules get clear it will be better for us."

Feels great to win this mixed doubles medal with @JituRai after my yesterdays performance. But Miles to go before I sleep. pic.twitter.com/DlD6Q16Eml

— Heena sidhu (@HeenaSidhu10) February 27, 2017

On the other hand, Heena was positive that the event will eventually become a part of the future of the sport. "It was good, very interesting, opinions are still divided since it is early days. It will take time to settle down. But we will have to start preparing for this in earnest as this, we assume, is going to be part of the Olympics and World Championships,” she said.

Congratulations to @JituRai & @HeenaSidhu10 on winning #Gold in the 10m pistol mixed team event at the #ISSF Shooting World Cup. Way to go!

— Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP) February 27, 2017

Before their gold-medal finish, India had struggled to make a mark in tournament, winning only a bronze medal through Pooja Ghatkar in 10m air rifle.