The stage is set for one of the most important shooting competitions of the year. From November 6 to November 18, the 2025 ISSF World Championship will take place in Cairo, Egypt, bringing together the best rifle and pistol shooters from across the globe.
For India, which has steadily risen as a powerhouse in the sport, this championship is more than just another international assignment it is a testing ground for the country’s finest, a measure of depth, and a glimpse into the road ahead toward Los Angeles 2028.
The Indian squad, features a balanced mix of Olympic medalists, world champions, rising stars, and newcomers who earned their spots with stellar domestic performances. Names like Vishal Singh, Sharvan Kumar, and Shreya Agrawal are making their way into the senior squad after strong trial scores, while established performers such as Rudrankksh Patil, Arjun Babuta, Esha Singh, Sift Kaur Samra, and Manu Bhaker anchor the contingent.
Unlike the 2023 edition, which carried Olympic quota spots for Paris 2024, the Cairo championship does not directly affect Olympic qualification. Instead, it plays a different but equally important role. It serves as a stepping stone to the ISSF World Cup Final in Doha later in December 2025, where the season’s best shooters will battle for supremacy.
For stars like Rudrankksh Patil, Arjun Babuta, Suruchi Singh, Esha Singh, and Sift Kaur Samra, who have already secured their places in Doha, Cairo is an opportunity to fine-tune strategies, test new equipment, and establish psychological edges over global rivals. For others, it is the last chance to punch their ticket to the elite finale, making every shot in Cairo a high-stakes affair.
Event-by-Event Breakdown
Air Rifle Men
- Arjun Babuta and Rudrankksh B. Patil headline India’s challenge. Babuta, a Paris 2024 Olympian, and Patil, a former world champion, have been pushing each other with remarkable consistency, often trading top spots at international events. Their internal rivalry keeps standards high.
- Vishal Singh, the new face in this category, earned his place with standout scores in the trials. Cairo will be his first major senior world championship a crucial step in his development.
Air Rifle Women
- Elavenil Valarivan, a World Cup medalist, returns to anchor the team.
- Shreya Agrawal, who fought her way in with solid trial scores, represents India’s next generation of rifle shooters.
- Meghna Sajjanar completes the trio, providing balance with her experience.
50m Rifle 3 Positions
- The men’s team features Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, the reigning Asian champion, along with Swapnil Kusale, a Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medalist, and Niraj Kumar. This trio combines consistency with proven ability to peak under pressure.
- On the women’s side, all eyes will be on Sift Kaur Samra, the world record holder and Asian Games champion, who has been one of India’s most reliable performers in 2025. Ashi Chouksey and Anjum Moudgil, both seasoned campaigners, add depth and experience.
Air Pistol Men
- Sharvan Kumar, who topped trials with near-world record scores, represents India’s new pistol wave.
- Samrat Rana and Varun Tomar bring strong domestic records and international exposure. This trio may not yet carry the same weight as India’s rifle stars but is capable of springing surprises.
Air Pistol Women
- Perhaps India’s strongest category. Suruchi Singh, world No. 1 with three consecutive World Cup golds this season, has been in unstoppable form.
- Esha Singh, fresh off her breakthrough gold in Ningbo, complements her perfectly.
- Add in Manu Bhaker, a two-time Olympic medalist, and India arguably fields the most feared air pistol squad in the world.
25m Rapid Fire Pistol (Men)
- Anish, Adarsh Singh, and Sameer form the lineup. While not yet consistent podium contenders, all three have shown promise in patches and will view Cairo as a platform to make a statement.
25m Pistol (Women)
- Manu Bhaker and Esha Singh double up in this event, joined by veteran Rahi Sarnobat. The experience of Rahi, combined with Manu’s versatility and Esha’s rising form, makes this another strong medal prospect.
Mixed Team Events
India’s recent successes in mixed events are reflected in Cairo’s squad.
- Air Rifle Mixed: Arjun Babuta with Elavenil Valarivan, and Rudrankksh Patil with Shreya Agrawal.
- Air Pistol Mixed: Sharvan Kumar with Suruchi, and Samrat Rana with Esha Singh.
India’s adaptability in mixed formats has been a key differentiator against countries like China and Korea, and these pairs will aim to replicate past success.
India will face stiff tests from shooting giants China and Korea, who continue to dominate medal tallies. China, in particular, remains India’s biggest rival, consistently setting world records in both individual and team events. Korea, meanwhile, are a force in women’s categories. European nations such as Norway and Hungary also pose serious threats, with athletes like Jeanette Hegg Duestad and Istvan Peni regularly contesting finals. The United States, traditionally strong in shotgun, have bolstered their rifle and pistol squads as well. Cairo promises to be a true global battlefield.
India enters Cairo with unprecedented depth. From the meteoric rise of Suruchi Singh to the established dominance of Patil, Babuta, Bhaker, and Samra, the squad carries medal potential in nearly every category. Importantly, the squad also shows balance: new faces like Vishal Singh and Sharvan Kumar are integrated alongside veterans, ensuring continuity for the next Olympic cycle.
Cairo is also where India’s shooters will adapt to new ISSF rules expanded finals and altered mixed formats set to be standard from 2026 onward. How quickly India adjusts could shape its performance trajectory leading into the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
The ISSF World Championship in Cairo is more than just another competition for India’s shooting team. It is a litmus test of depth, a proving ground for emerging names, and a chance for established stars to reinforce their dominance. From November 6–18, India’s finest will step onto one of the sport’s grandest stages, not only chasing medals but also sending a clear message: India is no longer an outsider in global shooting it is a contender every time the world lines up at the range.
