Over 150 of India’s elite rifle and pistol shooters, including Olympians Manu Bhaker, Swapnil Kusale, and Anish Bhanwala, have assembled at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi for the Group A National Selection Trials 1 & 2. The week-long event will determine the first National Squad of 2026.
India’s domestic shooting season has entered a decisive phase as the country’s best rifle and pistol shooters line up for the Group A National Selection Trials 1 & 2, scheduled from January 19–25, 2026 at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range (DKSSR). The trials are critical for selection into the first National Squad of 2026, ahead of major international competitions.
Key Highlights
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Participation: Over 150 shooters across eight Olympic events plus the exclusive 50m rifle prone event.
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Star Names: Olympians and medalists including Manu Bhaker (10m air pistol), Swapnil Kusale (50m rifle 3 positions), Sarabjot Singh, and Anish Bhanwala (25m rapid-fire pistol).
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Opening Day: Featured two prone finals and men’s 25m rapid-fire pistol qualification.
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High Stakes: Scores from these trials are mandatory for squad selection, making performances crucial.
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International Context: Trials serve as a benchmark ahead of the Asian Games and World Championships, which will offer the first quota places for the LA 2028 Olympics.
Why It Matters
These trials not only shape India’s shooting squad for 2026 but also set the tone for Olympic qualification. With world champions and Olympic medalists competing, the event underscores India’s growing depth and ambition in shooting sports.
Sources: MENAFN–IANS, Khel Today, NewKerala, Punjab Newsline