Shooting Competition
India to send 12-member contingent for World C’ship Shotgun 2025
India to send 12-member contingent for World C’ship Shotgun 2025
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Athens, Greece
New Delhi, Oct 7: The world’s top shotgun shooters will gather in Athens, Greece, for the ISSF World Championship Shotgun 2025, held from October 8 to 19 at the Malakasa Shooting Range in the Greek capital. This highly anticipated event will showcase skillful shooters participating in five medal contests, including men’s and women’s trap, skeet, and the mixed team trap, all of which are part of the Olympic discipline. The championship spans seven days, kicking off on October 10, 2025. A total of 68 federations have entered 406 athletes, and they will be competing in 518 events. These include six Olympic medallists, which elevates the prestigious nature of the competition. India is sending a robust team of 12 talented shooters, which comprises several current Asian champions. Among them, Anantjeet Singh Naruka stands out as a premier contender in men’s skeet, and Neeru Dhanda, dominating women’s trap, is expected to draw significant attention. Along with these champions, Indian shooters Bhowneesh Mendiratta and Aashima Ahlawat will compete as well. Mendiratta earned a silver medal in men’s trap at the recent Shymkent Asian championships, while Ahlawat secured bronze in women’s trap. Veterans Zoravar Singh Sandhu, a seasoned competitor in men’s trap, and Mairaj Ahmad Khan, known for his accomplishments in men’s skeet, complete the roster, strengthening India’s formidable presence in this global arena. This championship marks an important opportunity for Team India to solidify their emerging status in the realm of shooting sports. India’s historical footprint in this category is notable, highlighted by the historic gold medal secured by Manavjeet Singh Sandhu during the 2006 Olympics in Athens. This victory marked a significant milestone for Indian shooting and revved up public and government support for firearms sports. Every medal winner from the Athens championship will gain direct entry into the ISSF World Cup Final 2025, which takes place in Doha later this year. This introduces a layer of incentive for every competitor across the participating nations, intensifying the stakes at play. Implications of the competition extend beyond the individual achievements of the shooters. They can significantly impact the visibility of shooting sports in India, which may lead to increased funding and support from both private and public sectors. As the global shooting community watches, the performance of Indian shooters could influence their funding structure, coaching resources, and youth engagement strategies moving forward. In conclusion, the ISSF World Championship Shotgun 2025 promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent from around the globe, and India’s participation is eagerly anticipated. The ramifications of this event may ripple through the sports community, offering insights into future directions for competitive shooting as India aims to strengthen its foothold in international shooting sports. ShoQ’s Take: The success of shooters from India at the ISSF World Championship can potentially elevate the sport's profile domestically and inspire the next generation. The market for shooting sports in India is steadily growing, evidenced by recent investments in training and infrastructure. Stakeholders will closely monitor this championship to gauge both performance and the broader implications for support in shooting sports, with notable emphasis on youth development initiatives and improved coaching frameworks.