As the ISSF World Championships for Rifle and Pistol begin in Cairo, the spotlight turns to India’s shooting contingent — a team full of promise, confidence, and purpose. This year’s world championships are more than just another event on the calendar; they represent a defining moment in India’s rise as a shooting powerhouse.
For the shooters, it’s a chance to transform years of training and near-misses into something historic: a world title.
Rising Through the Ranks: India’s Strong Season So Far
India’s shooters have been in excellent form in the lead-up to Cairo. In the first World Cup of the season in Buenos Aires, India finished second in the medal tally, just behind China. The momentum continued in subsequent tournaments:
- Third place in Lima, with seven medals.
- Third in Munich, winning four medals.
- Fifth in Ningbo, China, where a younger second-string team was tested and gained valuable exposure.
At the Asian Championships, India’s emerging stars showed resilience and maturity, securing 30 medals — just one short of China’s 31. The overall trend is clear: Indian shooting is consistent, competitive, and closing the gap with the best in the world.
The Challenge Ahead: World Championships Are a Different Game
Despite the encouraging results, the World Championships demand an extra level of excellence. The competition brings together the elite of global shooting — Olympic medallists, record-holders, and seasoned campaigners.
At the 2023 World Championships in Baku, India earned only two individual medals in Olympic events:
- Akhil Sheoran and Mehuli Ghosh each won bronze in the 50m rifle three positions, securing Paris Olympic quota places.
- India also claimed a medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event.
One year earlier, in Cairo itself, Rudrankksh Patil had stunned the world by becoming World Champion in 10m Air Rifle, only the second Indian ever to achieve this feat after Abhinav Bindra in 2006. That victory remains a benchmark — and a reminder that another Indian gold at the Worlds is within reach.
Confidence from Paris: A New Mindset
The Paris Olympics was a turning point for Indian shooting. Manu Bhaker’s two bronze medals — in both air pistol individual and mixed team (with Sarabjot Singh) — along with Swapnil Kusale’s bronze in 50m rifle three positions, injected belief and experience into the squad.
These medals were more than symbolic; they proved that India’s shooters can handle Olympic pressure and deliver. Heading into Cairo, that self-belief is the team’s greatest weapon.
The Key Contenders: Who Can Deliver in Cairo
1. Manu Bhaker – The Leader of the Pack
All eyes will be on Manu Bhaker, the Olympic medallist and one of India’s most decorated shooters. Competing in both 10m Air Pistol and 25m Sports Pistol, Manu brings experience, composure, and an unflinching drive to succeed.
Despite her world-class resume, Manu has yet to win an individual medal at the World Championships — something she’ll be determined to change this time. Her ability to thrive under pressure could be the difference-maker.
2. Rudrankksh Patil – Returning to His Golden Range
For Rudrankksh Patil, Cairo holds a special place. It’s where he became World Champion in 2022, joining the elite club alongside Abhinav Bindra.
This time, the stakes are higher. The field includes Olympic champion Sheng Lihao (China), world-record holder Danilo Sollazzo (Italy), and Olympic silver medallist Victor Lindgren (Sweden). Competing against this high-calibre lineup, Rudrankksh will need to summon both his technical precision and mental steel.
3. Elavenil Valarivan – The Rifle Ace
In women’s air rifle, Elavenil Valarivan leads the charge. A two-time Olympian and Asian champion, Elavenil has the experience and focus required for the big stage.
She’ll be joined by Meghana Sajjanar, who won bronze in Ningbo, and Shreya Agrawal, the 2018 junior world champion making her comeback. The trio represents a perfect blend of experience, resilience, and youthful energy.
4. Suruchi Phogat – The World No. 1 in Air Pistol
One of India’s best hopes in Cairo is Suruchi Phogat, currently world-ranked No. 1 in women’s air pistol. Her consistent form, combined with sharp technique and calm temperament, makes her a serious podium contender.
Paired with Manu Bhaker in team and mixed events, Suruchi will be looking to convert her ranking into a gold-medal performance.
5. Swapnil Kusale & Aishwary Pratap Tomar – Rifle Warriors
In the 50m Rifle Three Positions, Swapnil Kusale, the Olympic bronze medallist, and Aishwary Pratap Tomar, the reigning Asian champion, carry India’s hopes. Both shooters are known for their focus and tactical approach — critical traits in one of shooting’s most demanding events.
On the women’s side, Sift Kaur Samra will aim to continue her stellar form after winning Asian and World Cup gold medals earlier in the season.
Day One: A Crucial Start
The opening day in Cairo features the men’s and women’s 10m air rifle finals — an event where India has traditionally done well. With Rudrankksh, Elavenil, and their teammates in action, an early medal could set the tone for the rest of the championship.
Momentum in multi-day tournaments is everything. A strong opening boosts morale and helps shooters settle into rhythm, while early setbacks can be hard to recover from.
Mental Game: The Invisible Battle
In precision sports like shooting, mental strength often outweighs physical skill. One wrong breath or moment of hesitation can be the difference between gold and fifth place.
Indian coaches have placed huge emphasis on mental conditioning this season. Techniques like visualization, mindfulness, and pre-shot routines are being practiced intensively. With sports psychologists working alongside technical coaches, the shooters are entering Cairo mentally sharper than ever.
Why This World Championship Matters for India
1. Validation of Progress
India’s shooting program has evolved dramatically over the last decade. Success in Cairo would confirm that the country’s systems, coaching, and talent pipelines are on par with global standards.
2. Momentum for Future Olympics
World Championships performances directly impact rankings, confidence, and selection pathways for the next Olympic cycle. A strong showing here could set the tone for Los Angeles 2028.
3. Inspiration for the Next Generation
With shooting now one of India’s most followed Olympic sports, medals at this level inspire young athletes across the country to take up the sport.
4. Boost to Indian Sports Ecosystem
More medals mean more support, funding, and infrastructure — helping India sustain its rise in precision sports.
The Competition: What India Is Up Against
The global field in Cairo is stacked with talent. Powerhouses like China, South Korea, the USA, Italy, Germany, and Sweden have brought full-strength squads, featuring Olympic medallists and reigning world champions.
China remains the biggest rival — their shooters have dominated in both rifle and pistol events, setting new world records this year. But the Indian team has shown it can challenge them, especially in team events.
The race for gold will be tight — fractions of points will decide champions.
India’s Strength: Depth and Diversity
One of India’s greatest strengths today is depth across disciplines.
- In air rifle, both men’s and women’s teams have multiple shooters capable of winning medals.
- In pistol events, India boasts a mix of youth and experience — from Manu’s consistency to Suruchi’s precision.
- In three positions rifle, Kusale, Tomar, and Samra are all capable of topping the podium.
Unlike a decade ago, when India relied on a few stars, today’s squad has bench strength, ensuring competitiveness across multiple categories.
Handling the Pressure: Lessons from the Past
Pressure has often been Indian shooting’s biggest opponent. Several near misses — especially in Olympic finals — have underscored how crucial mental composure is at this level.
This time, the shooters are better prepared. They’ve faced high-pressure finals in World Cups and continental championships throughout the year. Those experiences have toughened them mentally for the challenge of the Worlds.
India’s Game Plan: Strategy and Focus
Team India’s preparation has revolved around three pillars:
- Precision in Basics: Mastering breathing, trigger control, and sight alignment — the core of accuracy.
- Mental Fortitude: Staying calm under pressure, regardless of scores or competitors.
- Adaptability: Learning to adjust quickly to different lighting, air conditions, and crowd energy — especially in Cairo’s open ranges.
Potential Medal Events for India
- Men’s 10m Air Rifle – Rudrankksh Patil, Divyansh Singh Panwar
- Women’s 10m Air Rifle – Elavenil Valarivan, Shreya Agrawal
- Women’s 10m Air Pistol – Manu Bhaker, Suruchi Phogat
- Men’s 50m Rifle Three Positions – Swapnil Kusale, Aishwary Pratap Tomar
- Women’s 50m Rifle Three Positions – Sift Kaur Samra
- Mixed Team Events – Especially in 10m air pistol and air rifle categories
Each of these categories presents genuine medal opportunities based on current world rankings and recent form.
