India’s shooting scene just got a big boost as the ISSF Junior World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun New Delhi 2025 kicked off with a colorful opening ceremony Thursday evening. V.K. Dhall, vice president of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), officially launched the event at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi.
Top guests joined the fun, including chief guest S.B.K. Singh, director general of police; Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, NRAI president; Peter Underhill, ISSF sporting director; K. Sultan Singh, NRAI organizing secretary and secretary general; and Henry Oka, technical delegate for the ISSF Junior World Cup. They mingled with members of the NRAI governing body and 208 talented young athletes from 18 countries, setting the stage for this major global junior shooting competition.
The evening lit up with a traditional Ganesh Vandana dance, followed by lively Bhangra and Dandiya performances that highlighted India’s rich cultural vibes. A high-energy finale act had everyone buzzing, priming the crowd for the exciting week of matches ahead.
Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, NRAI president, shared his excitement: “It’s a proud moment for India to host the first-ever ISSF Junior World Cup in the country. Junior competitions are where tomorrow’s Olympians are discovered, and this event is a milestone for Indian shooting. I extend a warm welcome to all athletes and officials, and hope you take back not only medals but also fond memories of India and the friendships you make here.”
Chief guest S.B.K. Singh added, “It is a privilege to welcome young athletes from across the world to India. Shooting is not just about precision and medals, but also about building friendships, learning resilience, and carrying the spirit of sportsmanship into life. I congratulate the organizers and wish every participant the very best in competition and beyond.”
Peter Underhill, ISSF sports director, praised the setup: “India has set high standards in hosting shooting competitions, with world-class facilities and committed organizers. Junior events like this are vital for the future of our sport, and it is inspiring to see the NRAI prioritize youth and create a platform where young athletes can perform at their best.”
K. Sultan Singh wrapped up the ceremony with a heartfelt vote of thanks, appreciating the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), dignitaries, officials, and athletes for making it memorable.
Earlier that day, India started strong in the ISSF Junior World Cup, dominating the women’s 50m Rifle Prone event with a full podium sweep and grabbing silver and bronze in the men’s category—the first medals of the tournament.
Eyes now turn to Friday’s action at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, featuring the men’s 10m Air Pistol final at 11:45 a.m. and the women’s at 12:45 p.m., plus the start of Skeet qualification rounds. Young shooters from around the world are ready to shine in this key event for the future of international shooting sports.
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