International shooting is back at the iconic Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range as the Asian Championship Rifle/Pistol gets underway in the Indian capital, marking the start of one of the most important continental competitions of the year.
With delegations already arriving in Delhi, the stage is set for a 10-day festival of precision, nerve and elite marksmanship, running from February 4 to February 13.
The championship will bring together 311 athletes from 20 Asian nations, competing across senior, junior and youth categories for a total of 30 medal sets. For shooters and federations alike, this event is not just another tournament—it is the opening chapter of a season that will ultimately lead to the Asian Games and the ISSF World Championships, where the first quota places for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games will be on the line.
India fields its biggest-ever home squad
As hosts, India have gone all in, entering a massive 118-member squad, by far the largest contingent at the championship. This reflects both the country’s depth in rifle and pistol shooting and the importance placed on using a home event to give competition exposure to as many shooters as possible.
Kazakhstan, with 35 athletes, has brought the second-largest team, while Korea, Iran and Japan traditional powerhouses of Asian shooting have also arrived with strong, well-balanced squads. Teams from Chinese Taipei, Vietnam and Hong Kong are also expected to make a significant impact, especially in technical pistol and air rifle disciplines.
With so many nations fielding competitive line-ups, the championship promises to be one of the most fiercely contested editions in recent years.
A vital start to a crucial Olympic cycle
For Asian shooters, 2026 marks the beginning of the long road to LA 2028, and this championship will offer the first real benchmark of where they stand.
NRAI Secretary General Pawankumar Singh emphasised the strategic importance of the event. “This is a crucial year for Indian shooting as well as for Asian shooters,” he said. “With the Asian Games and the World Championships coming up later this year where Olympic quota places will be awarded—this competition gives athletes a chance to assess themselves early in the season.”
He also highlighted the efforts made to ensure the championship meets global standards. “The NRAI, with immense support from the Sports Authority of India, the Sports Ministry and the Government of India, has left no stone unturned to provide a world-class international sporting experience. We welcome all foreign teams and hope they have a pleasant stay in the country.”
Dr. Karni Singh Range back in the spotlight
The Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range has long been India’s premier shooting venue, hosting national camps, international competitions and Olympic-level training. Once again, it will be the focal point of Asian shooting as hundreds of athletes take to its firing points over the next 10 days.
Tuesday will be devoted to official pre-event training, allowing shooters to familiarise themselves with the ranges before competition begins in earnest on Wednesday, February 4.
Blockbuster opening day
Day one of competition will set the tone for the championship with four high-profile finals:
- Men’s 10m Air Pistol
- Women’s 10m Air Pistol
- Junior Men’s 10m Air Pistol
- Youth Men’s 10m Air Pistol
These events traditionally attract some of the biggest names and the most intense pressure, making for a thrilling start to the medal race. For India, the air pistol categories will be particularly important, given the depth of talent the country currently boasts across senior and junior levels.
Live coverage for fans across India
All finals of the Asian Championship Rifle & Pistol will be streamed live on FanCode, allowing fans and followers of Indian shooting to track every medal match, every tense shoot-off and every podium moment in real time.
With Indian shooters competing across all categories, the event offers a rare chance for fans to watch the country’s established stars and rising juniors side by side on an international stage.
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Beyond medals, this championship will shape the narratives of the 2026 season. It will reveal which shooters have come through the off-season in form, which countries are building depth, and which young athletes are ready to step into the senior spotlight.
For India, hosting the championship is both an opportunity and a challenge: to make the most of home conditions while testing a wide pool of athletes against Asia’s best. As the first shots ring out on Wednesday, the Asian Championship Rifle & Pistol will officially open a new chapter in the race toward continental dominance and, ultimately, the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
