New Delhi: The strategic focus of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) takes center stage as the country’s elite shooters land in Germany.
Shri Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, President of the NRAI, announced a formidable 22-member squad for the ISSF World Cup in Munich, representing a deliberate shift in India’s campaign.
While a developmental squad consisting of shooters ranked third to sixth secured a solitary gold at the Granada World Cup in April, Munich marks the first time this year that India’s top-ranked rifle and pistol athletes are competing together on the international stage away from home.
The leadership’s emphasis on a balanced roster is evident in the composition of the traveling contingent. Double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker and world championship medalist Esha Singh headline the team as the only athletes pulling double duty in individual pistol events, with Bhaker adding a mixed team event to her demanding schedule.
They are anchored by a seasoned group of veterans, including two-time Olympian Rahi Sarnobat, reigning world champion Samrat Rana, and former world champion Rudrankksh Patil. Proven performers like Anish Bhanwala, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, Elavenil Valarivan, Suruchi Singh, and Arjun Babuta further bolster India’s chances against a massive global field of 696 athletes from 80 nations.
Equally central to the federation’s long-term vision is the integration of exceptional young talent who earned their spots through rigorous domestic trials. Among the debutants is 22-year-old Sakshi Padekar, a Khelo India University Games champion who shattered the 10m air rifle finals national record earlier this year.
The men’s pistol ranks see the inclusion of 18-year-old Suraj Sharma, a former junior world champion and reigning Asian champion, alongside 23-year-old Army marksman Ajendra Singh Chauhan and 23-year-old Udhayveer Sidhu, who edges out his twin brother to make his Olympic-event debut in the 25m rapid-fire pistol.
By blending these rising stars with established champions, the NRAI leadership aims to test technical readiness and composure at the highest level as the sport builds toward the World Championships and major multi-sport events later this year.