New Delhi will become the nerve-centre of Asian shooting when the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championships 2026 get underway from February 2 to 14 at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Ranges.
For India, this is not just another continental meet it is a defining checkpoint in a season that leads into the Asian Games and the first Olympic qualification phase for Los Angeles 2028. With China absent, the door is wide open for India to assert itself as Asia’s premier shooting nation. And the hosts have come armed with a formidable 22-member squad stacked with Olympic medallists, world champions, and rising stars.
Rifle: India’s foundation of dominance
India’s biggest strength lies in rifle events, where the country has consistently challenged global powerhouses.
Men’s 10m Air Rifle: The trio of Arjun Babuta, Rudrankksh Patil, and Vishal Singh gives India an enviable mix of experience and stability. Babuta and Rudrankksh were gold medallists at the last Asian Championships, and both have established themselves as world-class qualifiers who peak on big stages. Vishal Singh, meanwhile, has shown excellent composure in high-pressure domestic trials.
With Korea and Kazakhstan providing stiff resistance, India will look not only for podium finishes but to dominate qualification rounds an area where Indian shooters have become increasingly reliable.
Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions: India’s marquee name here is Aishwarya Pratap Singh Tomar, the reigning Asian champion and World Championship silver medallist. Tomar has turned 3P into one of India’s strongest medal prospects globally, and at home, he will be under even greater expectations.
Backing him are Niraj Kumar and Akhil Sheoran, both of whom have produced international-grade scores in trials. Together, they give India a strong shot at both team gold and multiple individual finals.
Women’s rifle events
Elavenil Valarivan leads the women’s air rifle lineup alongside Meghana Sajjanar and teenage prodigy Arya Rajesh Borse. Elavenil, a former Asian champion, remains one of the most technically gifted shooters in the world and is expected to anchor India’s medal hopes.
In the absence of world record holder Sift Kaur Samra, the spotlight in 50m Rifle 3P shifts to Anjum Moudgil. A former world No.1, Anjum’s ability to handle marathon finals makes her a genuine podium threat. Ashi Chouksey, a former Asian champion, and Aakriti Dahiya complete a well-rounded lineup.
Mixed Team: India’s secret weapon
India have built a global reputation in mixed team rifle events, and they will enter as defending champions.
- Arjun Babuta / Elavenil Valarivan
- Rudrankksh Patil / Meghana Sajjanar
Both combinations are capable of winning gold, and India’s depth here allows tactical flexibility depending on qualification performance. On home soil, this is one of India’s most bankable medal opportunities.
Pistol: India’s biggest medal factory
If rifle is India’s foundation, pistol is its medal engine.
Men’s Air Pistol
The lineup of Samrat Rana, Sharvan Kumar, and Varun Tomar is among the strongest in Asia. Samrat, the reigning world champion, brings elite-level confidence, while Sharvan and Varun have consistently delivered in team events.
India will be strong favourites for team gold and at least one individual medal here.
Women’s Air Pistol: This is where India truly intimidates the field. Manu Bhaker, Suruchi Singh, and Esha Singh form arguably the best air pistol trio outside China. Manu, a double Olympic medallist, is seeking a strong return after a quieter 2025. Suruchi, the World Cup Finals champion, has become India’s most reliable qualifier, while Esha, the Ningbo world champion adds explosiveness.
“I’m not thinking about any criticism. I will give my best,” Manu said ahead of the season.
25m Pistol: Manu and Esha will double up in 25m sports pistol alongside Rhythm Sangwan, giving India both speed and consistency. In 25m Rapid Fire Pistol, Anish, Adarsh Singh, and Neeraj Kumar will target gold after winning team silver last year. With China absent, Anish last year’s Asian silver medallist could emerge as a title contender.
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India enters these championships not just to compete, but to dominate. With elite squads across rifle and pistol, home-range advantage, and China’s absence, this is India’s best chance in years to top the Asian medal table. More importantly, the championships mark the beginning of the Olympic cycle. Performances here will shape selections for the Asian Games, World Championships, and ultimately the Los Angeles 2028 qualification race.
For Indian shooting, February 2026 is not just about medals it is about staking continental supremacy.
