Indian Shotgun Squad Ready for ISSF World Cup Almaty 2026: Schedule and Details
India’s elite shotgun shooters have arrived in Kazakhstan for the second stage of the 2026 International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup. The event, hosted in Almaty from May 2 to May 11, 2026, serves as a critical benchmark for athletes refining their form in Olympic-discipline events.
A 12-member Indian shotgun squad is spearheading the national effort, joined by eight additional shooters competing as ranking points only
(RPO) participants. This expanded presence underscores India’s commitment to diversifying its medal prospects in the shotgun categories ahead of the global circuit’s peak.
Key Event Details at a Glance
- Host City: Almaty, Kazakhstan
- Dates: May 2 – May 11, 2026
- Total Participants: 284 athletes from 42 national Olympic committees
- Disciplines: Five Olympic events including Men’s and Women’s Trap and Skeet
The Indian Contingent and Top Contenders
The Indian squad features a blend of seasoned Olympians and rising stars. Among the most anticipated competitors are Mairaj Ahmad Khan, Anantjeet Singh Naruka, and Raiza Dhillon. These athletes are expected to lead the charge in the skeet and trap events, where India has consistently sought to break into the top tier of global rankings.
The decision to send RPO shooters alongside the main squad allows emerging talents to gain invaluable international experience and climb the world rankings without the immediate pressure of primary quota spots.
Competition Schedule and Format
The 10-day roster is structured to test both endurance and precision. According to the official ISSF competition calendar, the action kicks off with the qualifiers:
- May 4, 2026: Men’s and Women’s Skeet Qualifiers.
- May 5 – May 10, 2026: A series of qualification rounds and finals across Trap and Skeet disciplines.
This stage follows the first World Cup event of the year, which took place in Morocco in March, providing the Indian team with a comparative baseline for their progress.
How to Watch Live Streaming in India
Fans and followers in India can track the progress of the squad through official channels. The ISSF typically broadcasts the World Cup stages via the official ISSF YouTube channel, providing live streaming of the finals and key qualification rounds. Real-time results and updated leaderboards are available on the ISSF results portal.
Key Takeaways for Fans
- Strategic Shift: The event was moved from Shymkent to Almaty to better accommodate the international field.
- India’s Strength: With 20 total shooters (12 squad + 8 RPO), India is fielding one of its most comprehensive shotgun teams of the season.
- Olympic Focus: The five events contested are direct Olympic disciplines, making this a vital proving ground for qualification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is representing India in Almaty?
The squad consists of 12 primary members, including top names like Mairaj Ahmad Khan, Anantjeet Singh Naruka, and Raiza Dhillon, along with eight RPO shooters.
When do the first competitions start?
The first official competitions, the skeet qualifiers, are scheduled to initiate on May 4, 2026.
What is an RPO shooter?
RPO stands for Ranking Points Only
. These athletes compete to earn world ranking points to improve their standing, though they may not be the primary designated seed for the event.
As the competition progresses through May 11, the focus will remain on whether the Indian contingent can secure podium finishes to signal a strong trajectory for the remainder of the 2026 season.