India’s next generation of shooting talent is set to take center stage at the ISSF Junior World Cup, which begins Thursday at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi. This is the second and final leg of the Junior World Cup for 2025, and expectations are high as India fields a formidable contingent of 69 shooters.
The hosts arrive with momentum. Earlier this year, Indian juniors stamped their authority at the prestigious Suhl Junior World Cup in Germany, finishing on top of the medals tally with three gold, four silver, and four bronze. They carried that form into the Asian Championships in Kazakhstan, underlining the depth of the nation’s young talent.
Now, competing at home, the challenge will be as much about handling pressure as it will be about producing scores — especially for those eyeing a smooth transition to the senior level.
Among the standout names to watch is 17-year-old Abhinav Shaw, the reigning Junior Asian Champion in 10m Air Rifle. Also in the spotlight will be Adriyan Karmakar, the Junior Asian Champion in 50m Rifle Three Positions, along with Paris Olympian Raiza Dhillon in Skeet.
While China will not be competing, the field remains strong. The United States (20 athletes), Italy (10), and 40 Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN) headline the list of 18 participating nations, ensuring stiff competition across all events.
The action begins Thursday with the men’s and women’s 50m rifle prone events. Over the next seven days, shooters will battle across 18 events — covering 15 Olympic and three non-Olympic disciplines — with 54 medals on the line.