ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou Offers India Key Asian Games Rehearsal Against China

The Indian shooting contingent will get its final opportunity to test itself against the world's best when the ISSF World Cup begins in Hangzhou, China, on July 22, with the event carrying added significance ahead of the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4.

Beyond medals, the tournament provides India with a crucial chance to assess its progress against China, the undisputed powerhouse of international shooting. Competing in Asian conditions similar to those expected at the continental showpiece will give Indian shooters valuable match practice and a psychological boost if they can challenge the hosts on home soil.

China has once again underlined its dominance this season. At the opening World Cup in Granada, Spain, the Chinese team topped the medals table with eight gold medals, while India managed only one gold. The gap, however, appeared narrower at the subsequent World Cup in Munich, where India's shooters produced several encouraging performances.

Teen sensation Suruchi Inder Singh continued her impressive rise by winning the women's 10m air pistol title, adding to the four World Cup gold medals she secured in 2025. Esha Singh also struck gold in the women's 25m pistol, strengthening her credentials as one of India's leading medal prospects for the Asian Games. Despite these successes, China once again finished atop the medals standings, highlighting the consistency India still aims to achieve across disciplines.

India's men's shooters will be eager to end their wait for an individual World Cup gold this season. Former world champion Rudrankksh Patil will compete in the men's 10m air rifle as a Ranking Points Only (RPO) shooter, while World Championship silver medallist Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar leads India's challenge in the 50m rifle 3 positions event. Another World Championship silver medallist, Anish Bhanwala, remains a strong contender in the 25m rapid-fire pistol.

The women's squad appears particularly formidable. Suruchi will be chasing a sixth ISSF World Cup gold medal, while Esha looks to build on her Munich triumph. Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker will compete in both the 10m air pistol and 25m pistol events as she seeks to regain peak form ahead of the Asian Games.

In the rifle events, Elavenil Valarivan, fresh from a clean sweep of gold medals in the 10m air rifle at the Asian Championships in Delhi, will spearhead a talented young group.

The only exception is the shotgun discipline, where India's Asian Games squad members will not compete. Following the National Rifle Association of India's (NRAI) policy of alternating 'A' and 'B' teams across World Cups, a separate shotgun squad will represent the country in Hangzhou.

With the Asian Games fast approaching, the Hangzhou World Cup represents a crucial benchmark for India as it looks to narrow the gap on China and build momentum for the continent's premier multi-sport event.