Indian shotgun team prepares for ISSF World Cup 2026 in Almaty with top shooters competing against global talent.
India’s 12-member shotgun squad is set to compete in the second stage of the ISSF World Cup Shotgun 2026, scheduled to be held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, marking a crucial phase in the international shooting calendar. The team will begin arriving at the venue from May 2, ahead of the 10-day competition that will feature top shooters from across the globe.
Organised under the aegis of the International Shooting Sport Federation, the tournament will bring together 284 athletes from 42 National Olympic Committees, competing across five Olympic shooting disciplines. The event is expected to be highly competitive, with several leading shooting nations fielding strong contingents.
India’s Squad and Participation Format
The Indian team comprises 12 shooters, with an additional eight participants competing under the Ranking Points Only (RPO) category. These RPO shooters will not be eligible for medals but will gain valuable international exposure and ranking points.
Among the prominent names in the squad are experienced Olympians such as Mairaj Ahmad Khan, Anantjeet Singh Naruka, and Raiza Dhillon, who are set to represent India in the skeet events.
For these athletes, the Almaty World Cup marks their first international appearance of the year, adding significance to their performance as they aim to regain competitive rhythm and build momentum for upcoming global events.
Competition Schedule and Events
The competition will commence on May 4 with qualification rounds in men’s and women’s skeet events. The finals for these categories are scheduled for May 5.
The trap events will follow, culminating in the men’s and women’s trap finals on May 9. The tournament will conclude with the trap mixed team final on May 10.
The structured schedule ensures that athletes must maintain consistency over multiple days, balancing qualification rounds and high-pressure finals.
Strong International Field
Indian shooters will face formidable competition from several established shooting nations. Italy, traditionally a powerhouse in shotgun shooting, is expected to field a strong contingent.
Other countries such as Finland, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Greece, Peru, and Qatar will also be represented by top-tier athletes, making the competition highly challenging.
The host nation Kazakhstan is expected to leverage home advantage, while competitors from China and Russia—participating as Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN)—add further depth to the field.
India’s Campaign So Far
India began its international shotgun shooting campaign earlier this year at the first ISSF World Cup stage held in Tangier, Morocco. The Almaty event represents the second major outing for the team in 2026.
Officials and coaches view this phase as critical for assessing performance levels, refining techniques, and identifying areas for improvement ahead of major championships.
Key Athletes to Watch
- Mairaj Ahmad Khan: A seasoned Olympian known for his consistency in skeet shooting
- Anantjeet Singh Naruka: Emerging talent with strong performances in recent years
- Raiza Dhillon: One of India’s promising women shooters in skeet
These athletes will be under focus as they aim to deliver strong performances against a competitive international field.
Importance of the Almaty World Cup
The ISSF World Cup stages play a vital role in the global shooting calendar, offering athletes opportunities to:
- Gain international ranking points
- Test their skills against top competitors
- Prepare for major events such as world championships and the Olympics
For India, consistent performances in these events are essential to maintaining its position as a rising force in global shooting sports.
Challenges Ahead for Indian Shooters
Competing in a high-pressure international environment presents several challenges:
- Adapting to different climatic and range conditions
- Maintaining mental focus during long qualification rounds
- Competing against experienced shooters with proven track records
Experts note that success in shotgun shooting requires a combination of technical precision, mental resilience, and adaptability.
Preparation and Strategy
Indian shooters have undergone extensive training in preparation for the World Cup, focusing on:
- Improving shooting accuracy and consistency
- Enhancing mental conditioning
- Simulating competition scenarios
Coaches emphasize the importance of maintaining composure under pressure, particularly during finals where margins of victory are often minimal.
Global Context of Shooting Sports
Shooting remains one of India’s strongest disciplines in international sports, with a history of success at the Olympics and world championships. The ISSF World Cup serves as a platform for athletes to build on this legacy and gain valuable experience.
The presence of a large and diverse field in Almaty reflects the growing popularity and competitiveness of shooting sports worldwide.
Expectations from the Indian Team
While the competition is expected to be tough, there is optimism about India’s chances. The blend of experienced shooters and emerging talent provides a balanced team capable of delivering strong performances.
Officials have expressed confidence that Indian shooters can challenge for podium finishes if they perform to their potential.
Road Ahead for Indian Shooting
The Almaty World Cup marks an important milestone in India’s shooting calendar for 2026. With multiple international events lined up, performances in this tournament will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s trajectory for the rest of the year.
As the competition begins, all eyes will be on the Indian contingent to see how they fare against some of the best shooters in the world. A strong showing in Almaty could set the tone for future successes and reinforce India’s growing stature in global shooting sports.
Inputs & Images: Hindusthan Samachar
Edited By: Akshaya Polepalli
Also Read:RSS Play 100th Staging: ‘Three Bhagiraths of Sangh Ganga’ Inspires Audience in Delhi
Follow us on google news: Click Here
