Indian Shooters Embark on Journey to Cairo for ISSF Junior World Cup
Synopsis
A contingent of 58 Indian shooters has arrived in Cairo for the ISSF Junior World Cup, marking the beginning of the junior circuit. With 71 participants, India aims to showcase its talent in various shooting events, setting the stage for future competitions.
Key Takeaways
58 Indian shooters are competing in Cairo.
The event runs from April 19 to 27 .
India has the largest contingent with 71 shooters .
It marks the start of the ISSF junior circuit .
Opportunity for juniors before the Junior World Championships in June.
New Delhi, April 18 (NationPress) A group of 58 Indian shooters, along with their support team, departed for Cairo on Saturday to compete in the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Cup for Rifle, Pistol, and Shotgun, taking place in the Egyptian capital from April 19 to 27. This event marks the beginning of the ISSF junior circuit, which will feature three events dedicated to Shotgun shooters and two for those in Rifle and Pistol disciplines this year.
The Indian contingent comprises a total of 71 shooters participating in 18 medal events, with 36 of them competing in 15 Olympic categories in Cairo. Notably, the additional events include the traditional junior men’s and women’s 50m rifle prone competitions, along with the men’s 25m pistol event, which is expected to be featured in the 2032 Olympics.
A total of 284 athletes from 25 nations are set to compete in Cairo, with India presenting the largest team. Host country Egypt will have a squad of 29 members, while Russia, participating under the Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN) designation, has entered a sizable team of 43.
Other prominent shooting nations sending considerable teams include France (24), Great Britain (16), and Italy (13).
With the Junior World Championships scheduled for June in Suhl, Germany, this event provides an excellent opportunity for Indian juniors to assert their skills ahead of this prestigious competition.
Recently, India concluded its ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol campaign in Granada, Spain, securing one gold medal. The last Indian contender, Sonam Uttam Maskar, finished fifth in the women’s 10m air rifle final, scoring 188.5 and falling short behind her closest competitors, including world number one and eventual gold medalist Wang Zifei of China, who scored 252.9 points. Jeanette Hegg Duestad of Norway, the women’s 3P world champion, took silver with 252.4 points, while former air rifle world champion Han Jiayu of China captured bronze with a score of 231.5.
India, which predominantly entered shooters ranked between 4-6 in the national rankings for the year’s inaugural world cup leg, reached seven finals, but only the 10m air pistol duo of Mukesh Nelavalli and Palak clinched gold on the opening day. They stood third overall, with China leading the medal tally with eight golds and 13 total medals.
Point of View
I observe that the participation of 58 Indian shooters at the ISSF Junior World Cup in Cairo represents a strong commitment to fostering young talent in shooting sports. This event is crucial for their preparation for upcoming championships, reinforcing India's position as a powerhouse in shooting.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ISSF Junior World Cup?
The ISSF Junior World Cup is an international shooting competition for junior athletes, featuring various events for rifle, pistol, and shotgun disciplines.
When is the ISSF Junior World Cup taking place?
The ISSF Junior World Cup is scheduled from April 19 to 27 in Cairo, Egypt.
How many Indian shooters are participating?
A total of 71 Indian shooters are participating in the ISSF Junior World Cup across 18 medal events.
What significance does this event hold for young shooters?
This event serves as a critical platform for young shooters to showcase their skills and prepare for upcoming international competitions.
Which countries are competing in the event?
Athletes from 25 countries, including France, Great Britain, and Italy, are set to compete in the ISSF Junior World Cup.
