India’s top shooters are set to begin their international season with a double-leg South American tour, as the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has announced a strong squad for the upcoming ISSF World Cups in April.
Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker will compete in two individual events—women’s 10m air pistol and women’s 25m pistol. Fresh off her Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award recognition for her outstanding performance at the Paris Olympics, where she secured two bronze medals, Manu will be one of India’s biggest hopes in these competitions.
Several Indian shooters who featured at the Paris Olympics have retained their places in the squad. The action kicks off in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from April 1-11, followed by the second combined ISSF World Cup in Lima, Peru, from April 13-22.
Joining Manu in the squad are Olympians Anish Bhanwala and Vijayveer Sidhu (Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol), Esha Singh (Women’s 25m Pistol), Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar (Men’s 50m Rifle Three Positions), Sift Kaur Samra (Women’s 50m Rifle Three Positions), Arjun Babuta (Men’s 10m Air Rifle), Prithviraj Tondaiman (Men’s Trap), Anant Jeet Singh Naruka (Men’s Skeet), and Raiza Dhillon (Women’s Skeet).
With a national training camp scheduled from March 14, the Indian team will look to fine-tune their preparations before heading to South America. The upcoming ISSF World Cups will serve as a crucial platform for the Olympians to test their skills on the global stage and build momentum for the season ahead.