Is Anish Bhanwala Leading the National Shooting Trials?
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Synopsis
On Day 1 of the National Selection Trials 3&4, Olympian Anish Bhanwala set the pace in the 25m Rapid Fire Pistol qualifications. Follow the exciting journey of India's top shooters as they aim to secure a spot in the upcoming championships.
Key Takeaways
- Anish Bhanwala leads the 25m Rapid Fire Pistol event.
- The trials are key for selection for international competitions.
- Strong performances from Indian shooters in recent World Cups.
- The event is held at Trishul Shooting Range, Raipur.
- Top shooters compete for limited slots in Olympic events.
Dehradun, June 24 (NationPress) On the first day of the National Selection Trials 3&4 (Group ‘A’ Rifle/Pistol), Olympian Anish Bhanwala topped the leaderboard in the 25m Rapid Fire Pistol (RFP) T3 Men’s qualification Stage 1, taking place at the Trishul Shooting Range, Maharana Pratap Sports College, Raipur.
Anish showcased a remarkable performance, scoring 99, 97, and 97, culminating in a total of 293 by the end of Round One of qualifications. His teammate from the Paris Olympics, Vijayveer Sidhu (99, 99, 94), followed closely in the second position with 292, while Mandeep Singh from Haryana secured third place with 290.
Completing the top five were Pradeep Singh Shekhawat (Navy) with 290 and Uttarakhand’s own Ankur Goel with 289.
The top six shooters after Stage 2 of qualification will progress to the final event.
The competition continues tomorrow (Wednesday, June 25, 2025) with Stage 2 of the men’s RFP T3 qualifications, leading up to the final. Additionally, two more finals are scheduled for Day 2, including the 50m Rifle 3 Positions Women and the 10m Air Rifle Men.
These trials are crucial in forming the Indian shooting team for the 16th Asian Shooting Championships 2025 in Kazakhstan this August and the ISSF World Cup in Ningbo, China, in September.
The nation’s top rifle and pistol shooters have entered this selection round following a successful outing in the double-legged South American ISSF World Cup tour, which marked the start of the new international calendar, alongside the latest edition in Munich. During both legs in Argentina and Peru, Indian shooters reached 32 finals, including mixed-team medal rounds, and brought home a total of 15 medals, with six being gold.
According to the selection criteria, only eligible shooters in Group “A” can participate. The National Selection Trials 3 & 4 encompass all Olympic Rifle and Pistol events, limited to a select group of top-ranked shooters. This includes 50 slots each for 10m Air Rifle (Men & Women) and 10m Air Pistol (Men & Women), 30 slots each for 50m Rifle 3 Positions (Men & Women), 20 slots for 25m Rapid Fire Pistol (Men), and 30 slots for 25m Sport Pistol (Women).
In Munich, India achieved their third top-three finish this year in four World Cups, securing two gold and two bronze medals. They not only improved their ranking from joint third last year to a solo third this year but also doubled their medal count, including golds, from last year's Munich World Cup.
Point of View
The performance of Anish Bhanwala and other shooters at the National Selection Trials demonstrates India's growing prowess in shooting sports. The trials are pivotal for selecting a competitive team for the upcoming international events, reflecting both the athletes' dedication and the potential for India to excel on the world stage.
NationPress
24/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the National Selection Trials?
Anish Bhanwala is currently leading the National Selection Trials in the 25m Rapid Fire Pistol event.
What is the significance of these trials?
These trials are crucial for forming the Indian shooting team for major upcoming competitions, including the Asian Shooting Championships and the ISSF World Cup.
Where are the trials being held?
The trials are taking place at the Trishul Shooting Range in Maharana Pratap Sports College, Raipur.
How did Indian shooters perform in recent competitions?
Indian shooters had a successful outing, reaching 32 finals and winning 15 medals, including six golds, in the recent ISSF World Cup tour in South America.
What are the eligibility criteria for the trials?
Only eligible shooters in Group 'A' can participate in the National Selection Trials.
