India’s 182-member shooting squad begins final preparations at the Karni Singh Range for the 16th Asian Shooting Championships in Kazakhstan. The event will feature 734 athletes from 28 nations and is a key test ahead of the 2026 Asian Games. India aims to surpass its 2023 performance.
India’s premier shooters have gathered at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi for an intensive preparatory camp ahead of the 16th Asian Shooting Championships (ASC), scheduled to take place in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, from August 16 to 30. With just weeks to go before the continental showdown, the camp marks a crucial phase in India’s build-up to the championships and beyond, especially with the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on the horizon.
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) confirmed in a press release that the camp follows a previous national training session held last month in Dehradun for rifle and pistol shooters and in Bhopal for shotgun athletes. The preparatory camp in Delhi now brings together all three categories—pistol, rifle, and shotgun—under one roof to fine-tune skills, strategies, and coordination before heading to Kazakhstan.
This year’s edition of the Asian Shooting Championships is one of the biggest ever, with participation from 734 athletes representing 28 countries. India will field the largest contingent, comprising 182 shooters, which includes competitors across both Olympic and non-Olympic events. Among them, 35 senior and 36 junior shooters will travel on government funding, while the rest will participate at their own expense, adhering to the tournament’s entry norms.
Kazakhstan, the host nation, will field the second-largest contingent with over 100 shooters, followed by South Korea with 70 and China with 47 shooters. These numbers reflect the growing competitiveness of shooting sports across Asia and set the stage for a high-stakes battle for regional supremacy.
Departure Schedule and Contingent Details
The Indian team will depart in phases to accommodate the event schedule. The first batch, including pistol and skeet shooters, is set to leave for Shymkent on August 14. The rifle shooters will follow on August 17, while the remaining shooters, participating in various events, will depart on August 20. Shooters competing in non-Olympic disciplines will leave last, on August 24.
This strategic departure schedule is designed to ensure that all athletes arrive with enough time to acclimatize and mentally prepare for the rigors of the championship. Each batch will be accompanied by national coaches, technical support staff, and medical personnel to ensure optimal performance readiness.
Road to Redemption
India will look to improve on its strong showing at the 15th ASC held in Changwon, South Korea, in 2023, where it finished third overall, trailing only China and South Korea. The Indian team clinched a total of 19 medals, including six gold, eight silver, and five bronze.
With fierce competitors like China and South Korea in the fray again this year, India will aim not just to maintain but surpass its previous performance. The current preparatory camp is tailored to work on technical precision, mental resilience, and team coordination—areas identified as critical for podium finishes.
Focus on Asian Games and Future Prospects
The 16th ASC is not only about winning medals but also serves as a crucial litmus test ahead of the 2026 Asian Games. With the Olympic qualification cycle ongoing and several shooters already gaining international exposure, this championship will play a key role in shaping India’s final squad for the multi-sport event in Japan.
India’s top shooters, including several Olympians and promising juniors, are expected to lead the charge. The NRAI has emphasized a long-term vision, aiming to build depth and consistency in all shooting categories.
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With the largest delegation, a solid preparatory structure, and a focused approach, India’s shooters are poised to make a strong statement at the 2024 Asian Shooting Championships and reinforce their place among Asia’s shooting elite.
