India's Shooters Brace for China Duel at Hangzhou World Cup Ahead of Asian Games

When the Indian shooting squad lands in Hangzhou next week, it won’t just be another stop on the calendar – it’s probably the last real‑world test before the Asian Games in Aichi‑Nagoya. A week‑long ISSF World Cup, hosted on Chinese soil, gives the youngsters and veterans alike a chance to feel the pressure of competing against the continent’s heavyweight, China.

China, as many will tell you, has been the benchmark in shooting for years. At the season‑opening World Cup in Granada they swept the podium with eight golds, a reminder of the depth they possess across rifle and pistol events. India, by contrast, walked away with a solitary gold – a clear signal that there’s still a gap to close.

But the story isn’t all gloom. A recent stop in Munich lifted spirits: teen prodigy Suruchi Inder Singh reclaimed the women’s 10 m air pistol crown, adding to her haul of four World Cup golds from 2025. Esha Singh also glittered, taking gold in the 25 m pistol and confirming herself as one of India’s most viable medal hopes for the Asian Games.

For the men, the Hangzhou leg is a make‑or‑break moment. Veteran Rudrankksh Patil is back on the range, chasing ranking points and hoping to rediscover the rhythm that made him a world champion in the 10 m air rifle. Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar will spearhead the 50 m rifle three‑position race, while Anish Bhanwala eyes the 25 m rapid‑fire pistol, each aiming to translate past World Championship silver medals into a World Cup gold.

The women’s team looks especially formidable. Beyond Suruchi and Esha, double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker will line up in both the 10 m air pistol and 25 m pistol, hoping to shake off a quiet spell after Paris and arrive in peak condition. Young rifle ace Elavenil Valarivan, fresh from a clean‑sweep at the Asian Championships, will also be under the microscope.

One notable omission is shotgun – the Indian federation has opted to rest the Asian Games‑selected shooters, rotating a separate group for this World Cup. It’s a strategic gamble, but it ensures the primary squad stays fresh for the continent’s biggest multi‑sport event.

In short, Hangzhou offers more than medals. It delivers a realistic simulation of the conditions Indian athletes will face in Japan, a psychological boost if they can challenge the host nation on home turf, and a final chance to fine‑tune equipment and tactics before the Asian Games countdown accelerates.