It’s great to hear about the participation of the 49-member Indian Shooting squad in the ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun stage in Cairo, Egypt. The fact that the event coincides with India’s Republic Day adds a special significance to the occasion.
The focus on the air pistol shooters, with both men’s and women’s 10m air pistol finals scheduled on January 26, highlights the determination of the athletes to make their mark. The competition serves as a crucial step for Rifle and Pistol Shooters aiming to secure a place in the national Olympic trials in May.
The Shotgunners are also gearing up for the challenge; with the Men’s and Women’s Trap shooters leading the way in the qualifiers. The prospect of securing spots for Paris, with a final qualifier event in Rio in April, adds an extra layer of importance to the competition.
Notable names like Rajeshwari Kumari, Bhavya Tripathi, Manisha Keer, Zoravar Singh Sandhu, Prithviraj Tondaiman, Bhowneesh Mendiratta, Manu Bhaker, Esha Singh, and Anuradha Devi among others will be representing India and vying for podium finishes. It’s interesting to note that some shooters, such as Vivaan Kapoor, Lakshay Sheoran, Rhythm Sangwan, and Varun Tomar, will be aiming for ranking points only, emphasizing the diverse goals of the Indian contingent.
With 672 athletes from 66 nations participating in all 15 Olympic events, the competition promises to be intense. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the Indian shooters to showcase their skills on the international stage and set the tone for the upcoming Olympic year. Wishing the entire Indian Shooting squad the best of luck!