NE SPORTS BUREAU
CHENNAI, JULY 22
Gujarat youth icon Elavenil Valarivan is once again ready to take aim at global glory as India rolls out a formidable shooting squad for the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou, China. With the nation’s Olympic medallists, world-class champions and an exciting new generation of shooters converging on the firing line, the Indian contingent promises to make the Chinese city a showcase of the country’s growing shooting power.
- Valarivan returns to the international spotlight as India unveils a formidable rifle, pistol and shotgun squad for the ISSF World Cup in China
- Olympic medallists Manu Bhaker and Swapnil Kusale join a star-studded contingent featuring the country’s finest shooting talent
- Elavenil spearheads the women’s 10m Air Rifle challenge alongside Sonam Uttam Maskar and Sakshi Sunil Padekar
- India to compete across individual and mixed-team events in rifle, pistol and shotgun disciplines
- Hangzhou World Cup begins July 22, with the final medals to be decided on July 28
The competition, scheduled from July 20 to 29, 2026, will see India compete across rifle, pistol and shotgun disciplines, with a strong line-up also fielded in mixed-team events.
Among the biggest names in the squad are Olympic medallists Manu Bhaker and Swapnil Kusale, along with leading international performers including Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, Esha Singh, Suruchi, Elavenil Valarivan, Sift Kaur Samra, Sonam Uttam Maskar, Anish Bhanwala, Raiza Dhillon, Ganemat Sekhon and Olympian Anant Jeet Singh Naruka.
Elavenil anchors India’s rifle firepower
The rifle events will see India unleash a potent combination of experience and emerging talent.
In the men’s 10m Air Rifle, Parth Rakesh Mane, Himanshu Dhillon, Shahu Tushar Mane and Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil will carry India’s challenge.
The women’s 10m Air Rifle line-up will feature Elavenil Valarivan, Sonam Uttam Maskar and Sakshi Sunil Padekar—a trio expected to command considerable attention on the international stage.
Elavenil, one of Gujarat’s most admired sporting icons and among India’s elite rifle shooters, will be looking to convert her precision, consistency and international experience into a strong showing in Hangzhou.
In the men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions, India will be represented by Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, Niraj Kumar and Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil, while Ashi Chouksey, Vidarsa K Vinod and Sift Kaur Samra will compete in the women’s event.
Manu Bhaker leads a powerful pistol squad
India’s pistol contingent will be led by some of the country’s most accomplished shooters.
Suruchi, Sainyam and Esha Singh will compete in the women’s 10m Air Pistol, while Kedarling B. Uchaganve, Kamaljeet and Aakash Bhardwaj will represent India in the men’s event.
The women’s 25m Pistol squad comprises Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker, Esha Singh and Rahi Sarnobat.
In the men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol, Anish Bhanwala, Omkar Singh and Bhavesh Shekhawat will carry the Indian challenge.
Shotgun stars set sights on Hangzhou medals
India’s shotgun campaign will feature a strong blend of established names and rising talent.
In men’s Trap, Udavir Singh Jajee, Bhowneesh Mendiratta and Vivaan Kapoor will compete, while Pragati Dubey, Kirti Gupta and Rajeshwari Kumari will represent India in the women’s event.
The men’s Skeet line-up comprises Gurjoat Singh Khangura, Parampal Singh Guron and Abhay Singh Sekhon.
In women’s Skeet, Ganemat Sekhon, Darshna Rathore and Yashasvi Rathore will take aim for India.
Mixed-team events add another medal avenue
India will also field teams in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team, 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team and Trap Mixed Team events, providing additional opportunities for the country to add to its medal tally.
The competition programme begins on July 22, with the first medals to be decided in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team and men’s 10m Air Rifle events.
The World Cup will continue through July 28, when the final medals will be awarded in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team and Trap Mixed Team events.
For India, the Hangzhou campaign is another important test of the depth and strength of its shooting programme—and for Gujarat’s youth icon Elavenil Valarivan, another opportunity to inspire a new generation to dream big, aim true and shoot for the world.
