New Delhi, Sep 25 (NationPress) The ISSF Junior World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun New Delhi 2025 was officially inaugurated by V.K. Dhall, Vice President of NRAI, during an engaging and culturally vibrant ceremony at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range on Thursday evening.

The event was graced by esteemed guests, including S.B.K. Singh, Director General of Police; Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, President of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI); Peter Underhill, Sporting Director of ISSF; K. Sultan Singh, Organising Secretary and Secretary General of NRAI; Henry Oka, Technical Delegate for the ISSF Junior World Cup, along with members of the NRAI governing body. The presence of these dignitaries and 208 young athletes from 18 nations set a remarkable stage for this prestigious global junior shooting event.

The evening commenced with a traditional Ganesh Vandana dance, followed by energetic Bhangra and Dandiya performances, highlighting India’s rich cultural diversity. The high-energy finale captivated the audience and established an exciting atmosphere for the week-long competition ahead.

“Hosting the first-ever ISSF Junior World Cup in India is a moment of immense pride. Junior competitions are where future Olympians emerge, and this event marks a significant milestone for Indian shooting. I warmly welcome all athletes and officials, hoping you not only take home medals but also cherished memories of India and the friendships formed here,” stated Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, President of NRAI.

“It’s a privilege to welcome young athletes from around the globe to India. Shooting transcends precision and medals; it’s about building friendships, fostering resilience, and embodying the spirit of sportsmanship in life. I congratulate the organizers and wish every participant the best in competition and beyond,” remarked S.B.K. Singh, Director General of Police & Chief Guest.

Peter Underhill, Sports Director of ISSF, commented, “India has established high standards in hosting shooting events, equipped with world-class facilities and dedicated organizers. Junior competitions like this are crucial for the future of our sport, and it’s inspiring to witness NRAI’s commitment to nurturing youth and providing a platform for young athletes to excel.”

The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from K. Sultan Singh, Organising Secretary and Secretary General of NRAI, expressing gratitude to the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), dignitaries, officials, and athletes for contributing to the significance of this occasion.

Earlier in the day, India kicked off its campaign with a fantastic start, dominating the women’s 50m Rifle Prone podium and securing silver and bronze in the men’s event as the first medals of the competition were awarded. Attention now turns to the action on Friday, featuring the men’s and women’s 10m Air Pistol finals at 11:45 am and 12:45 pm, respectively, alongside the opening day of Skeet qualification.