New Delhi to host two major international shooting competitions in 2027-28

The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) on Thursday awarded New Delhi two major competitions -- the combined World Cup in 2027 and the Junior World Championship in 2028 -- during its executive committee meeting here. Announcing the calendar for the crucial 2026-27 season, the ISSF said that New Delhi, which will also organise the Junior World Cup (Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun) in September-October this year, will host the prestigious World Cup leg in all three disciplines next year, the dates for which will be announced in due course.

The 2026 Asian Cup (Rifle/Pistol) is also scheduled to be held in India in February 2026. National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) president Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo expressed his enthusiasm following the announcement by the sport's global governing body.

"With the LA Olympics as our target, hosting at least one international event every year leading up to it is a tremendous opportunity. It boosts senior athletes' preparation and gives juniors invaluable exposure to the atmosphere of elite competition at home.

"The launch of the Shooting League of India adds an exciting new dimension to our efforts. We are grateful to the ISSF for their trust, and we remain committed to making India a global hub for our beloved sport," he said.

The Karni Singh Ranges in New Delhi had also hosted the season-ending elite World Cup Final in October last year. India had staged the ISSF World Cup in Pistol/Rifle and Shotgun in 2021 ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. NRAI secretary general K. Sultan Singh added, "This announcement is a testament to the confidence the ISSF places in the NRAI and India's ability to deliver world-class events. India is now a key stop on the global shooting calendar.

"I thank the Government of India, the Sports Ministry, the Sports Authority of India, and all our stakeholders for their unwavering support. The introduction of the Shooting League of India further underlines our vision for the sport's growth." The ISSF also confirmed the cities of Daegu and Cairo for hosting the prestigious World Championships in 2027, which will also serve as one of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics qualification events.

Daegu, in South Korea, will host the World Championship in Rifle and Pistol, nine years after Changwon organised the big event. It will be the third time Korea will host the World Championships, having first welcomed the global shooting fraternity to Seoul in 1978. The ISSF World Cup Final will also be held in Daegu in 2027. Cairo will play host to the 2027 World Championship for shotgun. The city had hosted World Cup events from 2022 to 2024 in rifle and pistol.