Rhythm Sangwan Leads India's Charge at ISSF World Cup Final

Rhythm Sangwan stands as the only Indian shooter competing in two events at the ISSF World Cup Final. Manu Bhaker, after her Olympic success, will take a rest. A 23-member Indian squad, featuring many Olympians, has been announced for the tournament in New Delhi from October 13 to 18.

Rhythm Sangwan will be the only Indian shooter to compete in two events at the season-ending ISSF World Cup Final, following double Olympic-medallist Manu Bhaker's decision to rest for three months after her Paris Games success.

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) announced a 23-member Indian squad for the tournament, spanning rifle, pistol, and shotgun categories, scheduled from October 13 to 18 at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range.

The squad includes nine members from the team that returned from the Paris Olympics with three bronze medals. Eleven Indian Olympians will vie for the title of best shooter of the year along with global competitors in 12 individual Olympic events.

The 22-year-old Bhaker made history in Paris, winning bronze in both the women's 10m air pistol and the 10m air pistol mixed team event. Indian shooters aim to sustain this momentum at their home range. 'We have a strong squad of proven performers and look forward to robust performance,' said Sultan Singh, NRAI's secretary general.

Four shooters, including Sangwan, were directly selected by the ISSF, while the rest were chosen based on Olympic trial rankings. Returning Olympians include Mairaj Ahmed Khan (men's skeet) and Chain Singh (men's 50m rifle 3 positions). Other notable names include Arjun Babuta, Sonam Uttam Maskar, and Shreyasi Singh among others.

(With inputs from agencies.)