Shooting Competition
Al Ain 2025 World Cup: Preview, stars and how to watch
Al Ain 2025 World Cup: Preview, stars and how to watch
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
The 2025 season of major shooting Para sport events is set to culminate in the United Arab Emirates as Al Ain prepares to welcome the WSPS World Cup from October 28 to November 4. The prestigious event will showcase the incredible talent of 213 athletes hailing from 39 nations, competing in a total of 40 events across rifle, pistol, and shotgun disciplines at the renowned Zayed Higher Organisation Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club. This venue, familiar to many competitors, previously hosted the WSPS World Championships in 2022 and has been a regular site for World Cup events. India, notable for its strong representation in Para sports, is fielding the largest delegation with 23 athletes. They are closely followed by the United Arab Emirates, who will feature 22 athletes, China with 20, Thailand with 16, and Kazakhstan with 12. Among the standout competitors are three medallists from the Paris 2024 Paralympics, ensuring a tense and thrilling competition ahead. Avani Lekhara, India's only female Paralympic champion, is one to watch, competing in the R2 - women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 and the R8 - women's 50m rifle 3 positions SH1. Lekharas presence adds not just skill but also significant media focus, as she aims to continue her remarkable form after achieving two golds in Paris. Additionally, Rubina Francis, who won a bronze medal in the P2 - womens 10m air pistol SH1, will also be competing once more. Manish Narwal, another silver medallist, is set to make waves, competing in the P1 - men's 10m air pistol SH1 along with the P3 and P4 events. The presence of such high-caliber athletes from India is indicative of the country's rising prominence in Para shooting sports. Other prominent athletes include Alexandre Galgani of Brazil, Anna Benson from Sweden, and Slovakias Radoslav Malenovsky, among others who are set to compete in various events throughout the week, promising to deliver a competitive showcase. The additional arrivals of seasoned veterans like Abdulla Sultan Alaryani from the UAE will only heighten the intensity of the competitions. Alaryani, a two-time Paralympic champion, aims to defend his titles after a stellar performance at the 2022 World Championships where he secured UAEs two gold medals in the R6 and R7 events. Abdullas history coupled with his rigorous preparation this season will undoubtedly attract attention from sports enthusiasts and media alike. Mohammed Alhebsi, another key figure from the UAE, comes into this tournament following a landmark victory at the Para Trap World Championships in Brno, Czech Republic, where he set a new world record. His recent triumph adds a layer of excitement as local fans will rally to support him and Alaryani as they aim to put on a show before the home crowd. As the world gears up for the competitive shooting scene slated for late October into early November, anticipation is rife. The complete schedule and results for this distinguished event will be available on the WSPS website, ensuring that enthusiasts and supporters can follow their favorite athletes closely. With such a star-studded lineup, the Al Ain World Cup is set to be a memorable conclusion to the 2025 shooting season.