India Sends Strong 57-Member Shooting Squad to Suhl for ISSF Junior World Cup

First batch departs for Germany; over 630 athletes from 59 countries to compete.​

New Delhi, May 17 – A formidable Indian contingent is all set to participate in the prestigious ISSF Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany, with the first batch of 40 shooters and support staff leaving on Saturday. This flagship junior international shooting event will officially begin on May 20 and continue until May 26, following the official arrivals on May 19.

India, a consistent powerhouse in junior shooting, has entered the largest contingent at the event, comprising 57 shooters and 21 officials, including coaches and support personnel. A second batch of 38 members, including 28 shooters and 10 support staff, is scheduled to leave on Sunday.

Suhl Set to Host Return of Junior World Cup​

The scenic city of Suhl, nestled in central Germany with a population of around 40,000, is a historic hub for junior shooting. After a break in the Olympic year, the tournament returns in full swing, drawing over 630 athletes from 59 nations, including top-tier shooting powerhouses.

The competition will open with the 50m rifle prone event for junior men and women and will conclude with the trap mixed team final.

Top Indian Shooters in the Fray​

India's star-studded lineup includes:

• Raiza Dhillon (skeet Olympian)
• Sabeera Harris, recent bronze medallist at the Nicosia Shotgun World Cup in mixed team trap
• Naamya Kapoor, junior world champion at just 13
• Divanshi, reigning double junior world champion in 25m pistol
• Mukesh Nellavalli, junior world champion in 25m pistol
• Harmehar Lally, Asian junior skeet champion
• Shubham Bisla and Abhinav Chaudhary, multiple ISSF medallists in air pistol

India topped the medal tally at the 2023 edition of the Suhl Junior World Cup with 6 gold, 6 silver, and 3 bronze medals.

Preparations and Expectations​

Veteran shooter and coach Sanjeev Rajput, a double Olympian and multiple-time ISSF medallist, is part of the first group to depart. He emphasized the rigorous preparation and team synergy built at the national camp.

"The entire squad has been training very hard... Their experience will help those who are making their first trip to such a big tournament and imposing venue. The youngsters are otherwise excited and raring to go," said Rajput.

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Participation Breakdown​

Of the 57 shooters:

• 36 are funded by the government
• 21 are participating at their personal cost

According to ISSF rules, each country may enter only three shooters per event for medals and two teams in mixed team events, while others compete for ranking points.

India’s strong presence and experienced core make it a top contender as the world's best junior shooters converge in Suhl.