Olympian Sift Kaur Samra hopeful shooting will be back when India hosts Commonwealth Games in 2030

Jaipur, Dec 1 (LatestNewsX) – Olympian Sift Kaur Samra believes that shooting, which was omitted from the medal lineup in both the 2022 Birmingham and 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, will reappear as a discipline when India hosts the event in Ahmedabad in 2030.

Sift says that hosting the 2030 Games gives Indian shooters a tremendous platform to exhibit their talent and accumulate a haul of medals right before a home crowd.

“I am thrilled that India is hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games, and I am sure shooting will be included as an event. This is a fantastic opportunity for our national shooters to shine and bring home medals. I am also hoping that the event will lead to improved sports infrastructure, making it easier for aspiring athletes to learn and train,” she told SAI Media on Sunday.

“The Commonwealth Games will have a significant impact on our sports culture. When people come and watch our players compete in the stadium, they will be inspired to take up sports, and it will definitely trigger a sports mindset in our country,” the 24‑year‑old added.

Sift took silver in the 50 m rifle 3‑position and bronze at the current Khelo India University Games (Rajasthan 2025) for Guru Nanak Dev University at the Jagatpura Shooting Range on Sunday.

Earlier in the season, she continued her dominance on the continental stage by winning her fourth straight Asian Championship gold in the same event in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, in August. After finishing her KIUG campaign on a high note, her attention is now on the ISSF World Cup Final in Doha, Qatar, from 4–9 December.

“This year, I have participated in three World Cups, winning two individual medals and narrowly missing out on one. I have also won an individual gold medal at the Asian Championships. Currently, I am focused on the World Cup Final in Doha, which is scheduled to take place later this year,” she said.

“After that, my target is winning a medal at the Asian Games next year, but I also have my sights set on the Olympics. I usually plan short‑term goals, and I’m working towards achieving them one step at a time,” she added.

Sift, who has regularly represented India at various Khelo India Games since 2020, stresses the value of the event as a launchpad for those looking to turn sports into a career.

“I am constantly a part of Khelo India Games right from the very first edition of University Games in 2020…The Khelo India University Games is an excellent platform for athletes who take up sports later in life, particularly during their college years. It provides them a chance to showcase their talent and test their performance against others. The University Games are more inclusive, offering opportunities to older players who may have missed out on Youth Games,” she signed off.

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