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Indian Shotgun Squad Set for ISSF World Cup Stage in Almaty

A 12-member Indian shotgun squad will compete in the ISSF World Cup stage in Almaty, Kazakhstan, starting May 1. The event features 284 athletes from 42 nations across five Olympic events. Three Indian Olympians—Mairaj Ahmad Khan, Anantjeet Singh Naruka, and Raiza Dhillon—will make their international debut this year. Indian shooters face strong competition from Italy, Finland, China, Russia, and hosts Kazakhstan.

Key Points: Indian Shotgun Squad Ready for ISSF World Cup in Almaty

  • 12-member Indian shotgun squad for ISSF World Cup in Almaty
  • 284 athletes from 42 countries compete in five Olympic events
  • Three Indian Olympians: Mairaj Ahmad Khan, Anantjeet Singh Naruka, Raiza Dhillon
  • Competitions start May 4 with skeet finals, trap finals on May 9-10
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12-member Indian shotgun squad set for year's second ISSF World Cup stage

India's 12-member shotgun squad competes in the ISSF World Cup in Almaty, Kazakhstan, featuring Olympians Mairaj Ahmad Khan, Anantjeet Singh Naruka, and Raiza Dhillon.

"Indian shooters will have to be at their very best to get to the podium. - NRAI Press Release"

New Delhi, May 1

A 12-member Indian shotgun squad is all set to take part in the year's second International Shooting Sport Federation World Cup Shotgun stage in Almaty, Kazakhstan, beginning with team arrivals on Saturday.

A total of 284 athletes representing 42 national Olympic committees are in the fray for the five Olympic events on the 10-day roster. Eight members of the Indian squad are also travelling to compete as RPO (ranking points only) shooters, as per a press release from the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI).

Competitions begin with the men's and women's skeet qualifiers on Monday (May 04, 2026), with the finals following the next day. The two trap finals are listed on May 9th, with the fifth and last final, the trap mixed team, scheduled next Saturday, May 10th, 2026.

The shotgun squad began their international engagements in Tangier, Morocco, in March, where the first World Cup stage was played.

Day one of the competitions will feature three Indian Olympians, senior pro Mairaj Ahmad Khan and Anantjeet Singh Naruka in the men's skeet and Raiza Dhillon in the women's skeet. All three will be seen in international action for the first time this year.

Besides the all-conquering Italians, Indian shooters will be up against top shooters from strong shotgun nations like Finland, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Greece, Peru and Qatar, among others.

Hosts Kazakhstan also have a quality squad and strong representation from China and Russia, the latter entered as Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN), will ensure that Indian shooters will have to be at their very best to get to the podium.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The competition looks tough with Italians, Russians, and Chinese in the mix. But our shooters have proved they can handle pressure. All the best to the squad! 🇮🇳
V
Vikram M
I really appreciate the NRAI for sending a large squad including RPO shooters. This kind of exposure is crucial for building depth in shotgun events. Hope some of the younger ones make a mark!
R
Rohit P
Need to improve in trap events especially. We have world-class shooters in rifle/pistol but shotgun still lags behind. At least we're seeing more participation now. Baby steps! 💪
K
Kavya N
So glad to see Raiza Dhillon representing us in women's skeet! Young talent needs these platforms. Wishing the entire squad - especially our women shooters - all the very best! 🏆
M
Michael C
Impressive to see 12 Indians competing. The competition in Kazakhstan looks strong with many nations participating. India's shooting program continues to grow - excited to see the results!
A
Aman W
While I'm happy for the team, I wish NRAI focused more on domestic infrastructure and coaching rather than sending too many shooters abroad. Quality over quantity, yaar. But still, good luck to all! 🤞

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