ISSF Munich World Cup 2025: Indian Shooters Brace for Fierce Challenge as South Korea Sends Full-Strength Olympic Squad
The stage is set for one of the most competitive events in the global shooting calendar as the ISSF Rifle/Pistol World Cup returns to Munich from June 8 to 15, 2025. A total of 23 Indian shooters ( and 13 are travelling at own cost) will take part in this prestigious event, but the challenge that lies ahead is steep — especially with South Korea sending their full-strength Olympic-winning contingent.
The Munich World Cup is expected to serve as a litmus test for form, combinations, and competitive resilience for many of the top shooting nations. For India, this event offers a chance to consolidate confidence, finalise team strategies, and test itself against the best — including the mighty Koreans and elite names from Europe and Asia.
Korea’s Power Move: Olympic Lineup Locked In
The headline act at Munich is undoubtedly South Korea’s decision to field their most formidable shooting squad yet — featuring reigning Olympic champions Oh Ye Jin (10m air pistol women), Ban Hyojin (10m air rifle women), and Yang Jiin (25m pistol women). Joining them is Olympic silver medallist Park Hajun, adding further firepower to an already lethal setup.
This marks a strategic shift from the South American legs in Argentina and Peru, where Korea had only fielded two shooters. This full-strength deployment is not just about medals in Munich — it’s a clear signal of intent.
Korea’s presence significantly raises the bar. Known for their precision, discipline, and ability to deliver on the biggest stages, they will enter Munich as favourites across several events. Their consistency in finals and tactical edge under pressure make them the team to beat.
Global Stars Return: Reitz, Li Yuehong and More
While the Indian and Korean squads will attract major attention, other nations are not far behind. Germany’s Christian Reitz, one of the finest rapid-fire pistol shooters in history, will compete on home soil, bringing immense local interest. Reitz is a seasoned campaigner and a fan favourite — his participation is expected to elevate the competitive tempo.
India’s Momentum and the Road Ahead
India enters Munich on the back of a largely successful South American campaign, where the rifle and pistol contingent bagged 15 medals — six of them gold — across the Argentina and Peru World Cups. India finished second in Argentina and third in Peru, proving their growing consistency at the global level.
However, Munich presents a different test. The field is deeper, the stakes are higher, and the scrutiny is intense.
Key names returning to the Indian squad include Paris Olympic bronze medallist Swapnil Kusale and Asian Games champion Palak, both looking to fine-tune their rhythm. Manu Bhaker and Kiran Jadhav will have a packed calendar, each competing in two individual events, Bhaker in 10m and 25m pistol, and Jadhav in 10m air rifle and 50m rifle 3 positions.
Also back in action is Sandeep Singh, competing in men’s air rifle after his Olympic stint, and Elavenil Valarivan, a former World No.1 in women’s air rifle. Their presence adds vital experience and stability to the team.
There are three exciting debuts as well: Ananya Naidu (10m air rifle), Aditya Malra (10m air pistol), and Army shooter Nishant Rawat (10m air pistol). All three have impressed in domestic events and will be eager to make a mark internationally.
Interestingly, Rudrankksh Patil and Aishwary Tomar — two regulars in recent years — have opted out, a move that could reflect the demanding selection cycles and prep for the further world cups.
India’s 23-Member Squad for ISSF Munich World Cup 2025
Men’s Squad
•10m Air Rifle: Arjun Babuta, Kiran Jadhav, Sandeep Singh
•50m Rifle 3 Positions: Chain Singh, Swapnil Kusale, Kiran Jadhav
•10m Air Pistol: Varun Tomar, Aditya Malra, Nishant Rawat
•25m Rapid Fire Pistol: Vijayveer Sidhu, Anish Bhanwala, Ankur Goel
Women’s Squad
•10m Air Rifle: Arya Borse, Elavenil Valarivan, Ananya Naidu
•50m Rifle 3 Positions: Sift Kaur Samra, Ashi Chouksey, Shriyanka Sadangi
•10m Air Pistol: Suruchi Singh, Manu Bhaker, Palak
•25m Sports Pistol: Manu Bhaker, Simranpreet Brar, Esha Singh
Mixed Events
•10m Air Rifle Mixed: Babuta-Arya, Jadhav-Elavenil
•10m Air Pistol Mixed: Varun-Suruchi, Aditya-Manu
As Indian shooters line up against Olympic giants in Munich, the event is more than just a World Cup. With a blend of seasoned champions and debutants, India’s squad has the potential to surprise — but success will require composure, belief, and clinical execution in an environment that will mirror Olympic intensity.
The road to Los Angeles sharpens here. All eyes now turn to Munich.
