Will Global Shooting Stars Shine in Munich at the ISSF World Cup?

New Delhi, June 8 (NationPress) The elite of Rifle/Pistol sport shooting is gearing up to gather at the prestigious Olympic Shooting range in Munich for the third stage of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup from June 10-15. A staggering 695 competitors, including a lineup of Olympic and World champions from 78 nations, are expected to grace the Munich World Cup, featuring 10 finals and commencing on Tuesday.

The season kicked off with a double-header in South America, where Indian shooters claimed 15 medals, including six golds, securing second and third places in the standings. However, the Munich event promises a tougher competition due to the presence of the world's elite.

Some stars, including Li, will make their ISSF circuit debuts in Munich following their appearances at the Paris Olympics last year. India has fielded a robust 22-member team across 10 events, including two mixed team competitions, with several anticipated comebacks.

Among the notable returns is Swapnil Kusale, the Paris bronze medallist in the men's 50m rifle 3 positions (3P), who has proven his mettle on the domestic circuit. Two-time Olympian Elavenil Valarivan will also compete internationally for the first time since Paris, despite her participation as an RPO shooter in Buenos Aires and Lima.

Additionally, reigning Asian Games champion Palak in women's air pistol and newcomers like Ananya Naidu (women's air rifle national champion), Aditya Malra, and Nishant Rawat will make their World Cup debuts, as India aims to showcase their depth in preparation for upcoming challenges.

Among the standout athletes, Li Yuehong, the legendary Olympic champion and three-time Olympic medallist in the 25m rapid-fire pistol (RFP), and Sheng Lihao, the reigning Olympic, World, and Asian champion, are expected to capture attention. Sheng set a new finals world record in his 10m air rifle event in Munich last year and recently clinched another World Cup victory in Lima.

The Munich World Cup is strategically scheduled when international shooters are reaching peak form. Its prestigious legacy and favorable location have drawn the best shooting talent worldwide. China, having triumphed in the first two legs, is sending a formidable 22-member squad, including Olympic champion Xie Yu. Meanwhile, hosts Germany boast a strong 27-member team, spearheaded by their pistol legend and former champion Christian Reitz, alongside women's air rifle qualification world record holder Anna Janssen.

French RFP legend Jean Quiquampoix is also part of a 16-member squad, while Korea fields 19 shooters, including two reigning women Olympic champions, Yang Jiin (25m pistol) and Oh Yejin (10m air pistol).

Reigning mixed team air pistol Paris champions Damir Mikec and Zorana Arunovic will lead a 15-member Serbian team, while women’s 3P shooter Chiara Leone will join an elite 11-member Swiss team.

Among former Olympic champions participating are Javad Faroughi (Iran-10m air pistol), Nina Christen (Switzerland-women’s 3P), and Greek legend Anna Korakaki. Several Paris Olympic medallists, including Sagen Maddalena from the USA and Italy's Paolo Monna, are also set to compete in Munich, showcasing a strong US presence.

Other legendary shooters attending include Ukrainian rifle star Serhii Kulish (two-time Olympic medallist) from a 21-member squad, alongside competitors from the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Turkiye. A group of 25 neutral athletes (AIN) is also anticipated to present a formidable challenge across the 10 scheduled events.