Can Pistol Shooters Propel India to Victory in the Asian Championship?
Synopsis
As the Asian Championship Rifle/Pistol kicks off, India's pistol shooters are ready to make a mark. With a star-studded lineup, including World Champions and Olympic medallists, expectations are high for a successful start. Who will shine in the highly competitive 10m Air Pistol events? Tune in to find out!
Key Takeaways
Indian pistol shooters aim for strong performances at the Asian Championship.
Top athletes include Samrat Rana, Manu Bhaker, and Suruchi Singh.
Four finals in the 10m Air Pistol events will take place on the first day.
Regional competitors from Kazakhstan, Korea, and Japan are also in contention.
A total of 118 Indian athletes will participate, showcasing the country's shooting talent.
New Delhi, Feb 3 (NationPress) Pistol shooters will be taking aim at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Ranges in Delhi, as medals in the 10m Air Pistol events are set to be contested during the first day of the Asian Championship Rifle/Pistol tomorrow.
The Indian contingent, led by World Champion Samrat Rana, World Cup Final Champion Suruchi Singh, Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker, and Esha Singh, aims to deliver a powerful start for the hosts in this continental competition.
On Wednesday, four finals will take place, including those for senior men and women, as well as junior and youth categories. Suruchi Singh and Samrat Rana are regarded as strong contenders for the gold medal, alongside Manu Bhaker and Esha Singh in the women's event.
Among the favorites for the women's 10m air pistol is Ho Ching Shing from Hong Kong, currently ranked fourth in the world and a silver medallist in 2019.
A potential surprise contender is Cheng Yen-Ching from Chinese Taipei, who is ranked 16th globally. The 19-year-old impressed with a 25th place finish in her first World Championship and secured fifth place in her ISSF World Cup debut in Munich. Thu Vinh Trinh of Vietnam, a two-time Asian bronze medallist and Olympic finalist, will also compete.
Leading the Indian men's side is current World Champion Samrat Rana, accompanied by world number two and bronze medallist Varun Tomar, and Sharvan Kumar, who finished 12th in the World Championship.
Key competitors include Valeriy Rakhimzhan from Kazakhstan, the world number eight and ISSF World Cup silver medallist, Hsieh Hsiang-Chen from Chinese Taipei, and Mukhammad Kamalov of Uzbekistan, who ranked ninth at the 2025 World Championship.
Junior and youth athletes will also compete tomorrow, with Jonathan Gavin Antony, Mukesh Nelavalli, Deaflympics medallist Abhinav Deshwal, Himanshu Rana, and Priyanshu Yadav participating in the junior category. In the youth category, Darren K. Dawn, Girish Gupta, Abhay Dhama, Mandeep Chauhan, Dhairya Prashar, and Hardik Bansal will take the field.
The hosts have assembled the largest squad of 118 athletes, with Kazakhstan contributing the second-largest contingent of 35 athletes. Regional stalwarts Korea and Japan have also sent formidable teams, while shooters from Chinese Taipei, Vietnam, and Hong Kong are expected to deliver strong performances.
Point of View
The Asian Championship presents a significant opportunity for India to showcase its prowess in shooting sports. With a robust lineup featuring both seasoned champions and emerging talents, the potential for medal wins is high. The commitment and hard work of these athletes symbolize India's growing dominance in the international shooting arena.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which events are taking place on the first day of the Asian Championship?
The first day will feature finals in the 10m Air Pistol events for senior men, senior women, junior men, and junior women.
Who are the top Indian shooters to watch in the competition?
Key Indian shooters include World Champion Samrat Rana, Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker, and World Cup Final Champion Suruchi Singh.
What is the significance of the Asian Championship for Indian shooters?
The Asian Championship serves as a platform for Indian shooters to compete at a high level and gain valuable experience, while also aiming for medals to boost their rankings.
