Get ready for an electrifying display of talent as India’s junior shooters prepare to dominate the upcoming Junior World Cup! Kicking off this Thursday at the Dr. Karni Singh Range in Tughlakabad, the event sees India as strong contenders, especially with the absence of their main rivals, China.
This isn’t just optimism; India has already proven its mettle. Earlier this season, at the Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany, our young athletes soared to the top of the medal standings, securing an impressive haul of three gold, four silver, and four bronze medals. China, a formidable force, managed three gold and a single bronze at that event.
While China has consistently led the senior World Cups in rifle and pistol events this season—boasting an incredible 16 gold, 11 silver, and 12 bronze—India’s senior team also showed strong performances, bringing home nine gold, six silver, and six bronze medals. This context highlights the potential for India’s junior squad to truly shine when their primary rivals are not competing.
Adding to India’s advantage, the Korean teams typically skip junior-level tournaments. Out of approximately 200 young shooters competing across 18 Olympic and non-Olympic categories, India proudly fields the largest contingent with 69 athletes. Other nations participating include the USA (20), Italy (10), Czechia (9), Spain (8), Iran (8), Croatia (7), Britain (6), UAE (5), Slovakia (5), Qatar (4), Oman (4), Finland (3), the Netherlands (3), Cyprus (3), New Zealand (2), and Saudi Arabia (2), all vying for the 54 available medals.
Notably, a substantial group of 40 Individual Neutral Athletes will also be competing, adding another layer of competition to the event.
The championship kicks off with the exciting 50-meter rifle prone event for junior men and women, a non-Olympic discipline that promises thrilling competition from the start.
Fresh off an incredible performance at the Asian Championship in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, where a robust Indian team of 182 shooters amassed an astounding 99 medals, including 50 golds, our athletes are perfectly primed. Competing in familiar home conditions, they are undoubtedly aiming to deliver their absolute best and add significantly to their nation’s prestige.