ISSF World Cup Munich 2026: Manu Bhaker, Esha Singh and Swapnil Kusale Lead Strong Indian Challenge
The ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol Munich 2026 is set to bring together some of the biggest names in international shooting as the prestigious competition returns to the iconic Olympiaschießanlage in Germany from May 24 to 31.
Widely regarded as one of the most historic and competitive events on the ISSF calendar, the Munich World Cup traditionally attracts Olympic champions, world champions and elite-level shooters from across the globe. This year promises to be no different, with several global stars and a strong Indian contingent set to headline the week-long competition. India arrives in Munich with a balanced squad blending Olympic medallists, experienced campaigners and exciting young talents. The tournament also serves as another crucial step in preparations towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle, with Indian shooting continuing to build impressive depth across rifle and pistol disciplines.
Among the biggest names in the Indian squad is Manu Bhaker, who once again enters the competition as one of the country’s leading medal hopes. The multiple ISSF medallist and Olympic finalist will compete in both the women’s 10m air pistol and 25m pistol events, while also featuring in the mixed team competition. Bhaker’s ability to consistently perform under pressure has made her one of India’s most reliable shooters over the last few years. Munich will offer another opportunity for her to re-establish momentum at the highest international level against an extremely competitive field.
Another major Indian attraction will be Esha Singh.
Still only 21, Esha has rapidly emerged as one of the brightest young talents in global shooting. Her fearless performances and quick rise through junior and senior levels have already earned her ISSF medals and recognition as one of India’s future stars. Munich will be another significant test for the Hyderabad shooter, especially in the highly competitive women’s pistol events featuring athletes like Germany’s Doreen Vennekamp and several Olympic-level competitors.
India’s rifle squad also looks particularly strong. Arjun Babuta, who has steadily developed into one of India’s most technically consistent rifle shooters, will lead the men’s 10m air rifle challenge alongside Rudrankksh Patil, Shahu Mane and Himanshu Dhillon. Babuta remains one of India’s strongest hopes in air rifle after repeatedly reaching finals at elite international competitions over the last Olympic cycle.
Rudrankksh Patil, meanwhile, continues to be one of the country’s most exciting rifle shooters after his World Championship success and growing consistency at senior level.
The women’s rifle squad features several established names including Elavenil Valarivan, Arya Borse and Vidarsa Vinod Kochumkal. Elavenil remains one of India’s most experienced air rifle shooters and will look to produce a strong performance in Munich after an inconsistent period over recent seasons. India’s 50m rifle 3 positions squad also carries significant strength.
Olympic bronze medallist Swapnil Kusale headlines the men’s field alongside Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, Adriyan Karmakar, Rudrankksh Patil and Ganga Singh. Kusale’s composure and consistency in three-position rifle shooting have made him one of India’s most dependable names internationally. Tomar, meanwhile, continues to remain a major threat whenever he finds rhythm, particularly in qualification rounds where his scoring ability can challenge the very best in the world.
The women’s 50m rifle 3 positions team features Ashi Chouksey, Manini Kaushik, Nupur Kumrawat, Vidarsa Vinod Kochumkal and teenage shooter Tilottama Sen.
Munich will also feature some of the biggest international stars in the sport. France’s Jean Quiquampoix enters the tournament as one of the favourites in rapid fire pistol. The Olympic champion remains one of the most dominant shooters in the discipline thanks to his incredible speed and consistency under pressure.
British rifle star Seonaid McIntosh, Swiss Olympic champion Chiara Leone and Hungary’s experienced Istvan Peni will also be among the key attractions in the rifle events. Germany’s Doreen Vennekamp and Emanuel Mueller will attract strong local support, while Sweden’s Victor Lindgren continues to emerge as one of the most exciting young rifle shooters in world shooting.
For India, Munich represents more than just another World Cup stop. It is another important benchmark for a shooting system that continues to produce world-class talent across multiple disciplines. India’s increasing depth is evident from the squad composition itself, where several junior and emerging shooters are already competing alongside Olympic medallists and experienced internationals. The competition level in Munich is traditionally among the highest outside the Olympics and World Championships. Finals often feature razor-thin margins, making consistency and mental strength critical across qualification and medal rounds.
With LA 2028 already beginning to shape the next Olympic cycle, strong performances in Munich could significantly boost confidence for many Indian shooters heading into future ISSF events later in the season.
India Squad for ISSF World Cup Munich 2026
Men’s 10m Air Pistol
Jonathan Gavin Antony
Ajendra Singh Chauhan
Sharvan Kumar
Samrat Rana
Harsh Swami
Women’s 10m Air Pistol
Manu Bhaker
Muskan
Anjali Shekhawat
Esha Singh
Suruchi Inder Singh
Men’s 10m Air Rifle
Arjun Babuta
Himanshu Dhillon
Parth Rakesh Mane
Shahu Tushar Mane
Rudrankksh Patil
Women’s 10m Air Rifle
Arya Borse
Vidarsa Vinod Kochumkal
Sakshi Padekar
Tilottama Sen
Elavenil Valarivan
Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions
Adriyan Karmakar
Swapnil Kusale
Rudrankksh Patil
Ganga Singh
Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar
Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions
Ashi Chouksey
Manini Kaushik
Vidarsa Vinod Kochumkal
Nupur Kumrawat
Tilottama Sen
Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol
Anish
Suraj Sharma
Udhayveer Sidhu
Adarsh Singh
Omkar Singh
Women’s 25m Pistol
Manu Bhaker
Arshdeep Kaur
Rahi Sarnobat
Esha Singh
Tejaswani
Mixed Team Events
10m Air Rifle Mixed Team
Arjun Babuta
Arya Borse
Shahu Mane
Elavenil Valarivan
10m Air Pistol Mixed Team
Manu Bhaker
Sharvan Kumar
Samrat Rana
Suruchi Inder Singh
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