Elite Indian Rifle and Pistol Shooters Prepare for National Selection Trials 3
Synopsis
After a triumphant performance at the 2026 Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship, India's top shooters are set to compete in the National Selection Trials 3. This crucial event at Delhi's Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range will play a key role in shaping the national squad for upcoming international competitions.
Key Takeaways
India's top shooters excelled at the Asian Championship.
National Selection Trials 3 is scheduled for March 06-10, 2026.
Events include all Olympic categories and additional competitions.
Training camp for selected shooters runs from March 10-21, 2026.
Future events include the ISSF World Cup and Asian Games.
New Delhi, March 5 (NationPress) In light of a remarkable showing at the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026, where India led the medal standings with a total of 76 accolades—comprising 39 gold, 18 silver, and 19 bronze—India's elite rifle and pistol marksmen are now gearing up for the National Selection Trials 3 (Group A). This event is set to take place at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in Delhi from March 06 to 10, 2026, just ahead of a busy international and domestic shooting calendar starting next month.
Almost all of India’s premier shooters will participate in ten events, including all eight Olympic categories along with the rifle prone contests for both men and women. The athletes are keen to achieve exceptional scores to bolster their chances for selection in the national squad for international tournaments later this year.
Additionally, the Rifle/Pistol Selection Trials 3 and 4 for Group B shooters will kick off tomorrow at the M.P. State Shooting Academy in Bhopal, running from March 6 to 22. Following the selection trials, national squad athletes will commence a training camp in New Delhi from March 10 to 21.
Moreover, the national training camp for shotgun athletes began today in New Delhi, with skeet shooters arriving first, while trap shooters are scheduled to report on March 8.
This national camp will pave the way for a pre-event training session ahead of the ISSF World Cup Shotgun, the inaugural World Cup event of the year, set to occur in Tangier, Morocco from March 21 to April 3.
The Indian teams for the initial two Rifle/Pistol World Cup stages (Granada and Munich) and the Shotgun events (Tangier and Almaty) have already been officially announced.
The upcoming Olympic cycle, leading to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, kicks off this year, with the initial quota places to be determined at the ISSF World Championship in Doha during October to November 2026. The season will also include the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya 2026, where Indian shooters aim to deliver another stellar performance. With these significant events approaching, both domestic and international competitions will play a pivotal role in athlete selections across rifle, pistol, and shotgun disciplines.
Point of View
It is clear that these upcoming selection trials are not just routine events but critical opportunities for our shooters. With the Olympic cycle commencing, the stakes are higher than ever. It is vital that these athletes perform exceptionally to secure their positions for international contests, ensuring India's legacy in shooting sports continues.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates for the National Selection Trials 3?
The National Selection Trials 3 will be held from March 06 to 10, 2026.
Where will the National Selection Trials 3 take place?
The trials will take place at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi.
How many events will the shooters compete in?
Shooters will compete in ten events, including all eight Olympic events and additional rifle prone competitions.
When does the national squad training camp start?
The national squad training camp will start on March 10 and run until March 21, 2026.
What significant competitions are coming up for Indian shooters?
Upcoming competitions include the ISSF World Cup Shotgun in Tangier, Morocco, and the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
