India announce strong shooting squad for ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou
New Delhi, July 20
India have named a strong 36-member squad for the ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun in Hangzhou, China, with Olympic medallists Manu Bhaker and Swapnil Kusale leading the challenge in the prestigious competition scheduled from July 20 to 29.
The Indian contingent features a blend of experienced Olympians and emerging talent across rifle, pistol, and shotgun disciplines, with athletes set to compete in both individual and mixed-team events.
Joining Manu and Swapnil are established names such as Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, Esha Singh, Suruchi, Elavenil Valarivan, Sift Kaur Samra, Sonam Uttam Maskar, Anish Bhanwala, Raiza Dhillon, Ganemat Sekhon and Olympian Anant Jeet Singh Naruka.
In the rifle events, Parth Rakesh Mane, Himanshu Dhillon, Shahu Tushar Mane and Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil will represent India in the men's 10m Air Rifle, while Elavenil Valarivan, Sonam Uttam Maskar and Sakshi Sunil Padekar have been selected for the women's competition. The men's 50m Rifle 3 Positions squad comprises Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, Niraj Kumar and Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil, while Ashi Chouksey, Vidarsa K. Vinod and Sift Kaur Samra will compete in the women's event.
India's pistol campaign will be spearheaded by Suruchi, Sainyam and Esha Singh in the women's 10m Air Pistol, with Kedarling B. Uchaganve, Kamaljeet and Aakash Bhardwaj featuring in the men's event. The women's 25m Pistol team includes Manu Bhaker, Esha Singh and Rahi Sarnobat, while Anish Bhanwala, Omkar Singh and Bhavesh Shekhawat have been named in the men's 25m Rapid Fire Pistol squad.
In the shotgun events, Udavir Singh Jajee, Bhowneesh Mendiratta and Vivaan Kapoor will compete in the men's Trap, while Pragati Dubey, Kirti Gupta and Rajeshwari Kumari make up the women's Trap team.
The men's Skeet squad consists of Gurjoat Singh Khangura, Parampal Singh Guron and Abhay Singh Sekhon, while Ganemat Sekhon, Darshna Rathore and Yashasvi Rathore will represent India in the women's Skeet competition.
India will also field teams in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team, 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team and Trap Mixed Team events.
Competition begins on July 22, with the first medals to be decided in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team and the men's 10m Air Rifle. The tournament will conclude on July 28 with the finals of the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team and Trap Mixed Team events.
India's medal-event schedule
July 22
10m Air Pistol Mixed Team Final
Men's 10m Air Rifle Final
July 23
Women's 50m Rifle 3 Positions Final
Women's Skeet Final
Men's Skeet Final
July 24
Women's 10m Air Pistol Final
Men's 25m Rapid Fire Pistol Final
July 25
Women's 10m Air Rifle Final
July 26
Men's 50m Rifle 3 Positions Final
Men's 10m Air Pistol Final
July 27
Women's 25m Pistol Final
Women's Trap Final
Men's Trap Final
July 28
10m Air Rifle Mixed Team Final
Trap Mixed Team Final
— IANS
Reader Comments
Manu Bhaker is such an inspiration! After her Olympic medal, she continues to raise the bar. And it's wonderful to see so many women shooters in the squad - Suruchi, Esha, Rahi, Ganemat - they're all doing us proud. Hope they bring home multiple medals! 🏅
Solid squad selection. But I'm a bit concerned about the lack of coverage for shooting sports in India beyond Olympics. These athletes train so hard and we barely hear about their achievements. Hope the media gives them the attention they deserve, especially with such a strong team heading to China.
Swapnil Kusale is a beast in 50m Rifle! And seeing names like Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar and Anish Bhanwala makes me confident. India's shooting pipeline is truly impressive - from the established stars to the newcomers like Kedarling Uchaganve. Best of luck to the entire contingent! 🚀
Impressive depth in Indian shooting. The mixed team events should be exciting - India has traditionally done well there. Looking forward to seeing how the shotgun team performs too, with young talents like Ganemat Sekhon and Vivaan Kapoor. This is a squad that can challenge the best in the world!
Esha Singh and Manu Bhaker in the 25m Pistol team - what a combo! And Rahi Sarnobat adds experience. The women's events look particularly strong this year. I just hope the federation provides proper support and facilities to these athletes. They deserve the best preparation
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.