The first International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup of the season for Rifle, Pistol, and Shotgun is set to begin in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The action gets underway at the Tiro Federal Argentino de Buenos Aires shooting range on Thursday, April 3, 2025, with the men’s 10m air pistol and the opening rounds of the men’s and women’s skeet competitions.
The tournament’s first of 15 finals will take place on day one, featuring a competitive men’s 10m air pistol event. Among the contenders are India’s Saurabh Chaudhary, Ravinder Singh, and Varun Tomar, who will be aiming for a golden start to the season. Meanwhile, skeet shooters will begin their qualification rounds, with each competitor shooting at 25 targets over two rounds.
All 15 finals will be streamed live on the official ISSF YouTube channel.
Global Participation and Indian Contingent
Over 400 shooters from 45 countries, including reigning and former Olympic and World champions, will compete for the 15 gold medals up for grabs. Among them, 23 athletes will participate as Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN). The ISSF World Cup stages are considered the sport’s premier competitions, second only to the Olympics and World Championships.
India has sent a 35-member squad, as announced by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI). The team includes double Olympic bronze medalist Manu Bhaker, who will compete in two individual and one mixed team event. Nine Indian shooters will be in action on the tournament’s opening day.
Qualifications begin at 5:45 PM IST, with the men’s 10m air pistol final scheduled for 8:00 PM IST.
Star-Studded Lineup in Men’s 10m Air Pistol
The 40-shooter men’s air pistol event boasts an elite lineup, including all three Olympic medalists from Paris—China’s gold medalist Xie Yu and Italy’s Federico Maldini (silver) and Paolo Monna (bronze).
India’s Saurabh Chaudhary, making a return to international competition, will face tough competition from former Olympic champion Christian Reitz (Germany), Serbian legend Damir Mikec, Brazil’s Olympic medalist Filipe Almeida Wu, and Kazakhstan’s talented Nikita Chiryukin.
Indian coach Samaresh Jung expressed confidence in his team, saying, “They have been training and competing consistently. Some even participated in local matches against South American shooters who arrived early. The competition is strong, but we are prepared for a good performance.”
Joining Saurabh in the medal hunt are compatriots Varun Tomar and Ravinder Singh.
India’s Skeet Shooters Look to Impress
India’s skeet squad, a mix of youth and experience, is also expected to put in a strong showing. The women’s team features Olympian Raiza Dhillon, national record holder Ganemat Sekhon, and Darshna Rathore—all individual medalists at this level.
On the men’s side, Olympian Anantjeet Singh Naruka leads the charge alongside rising star Bhavtegh Gill and experienced shooter Gurjoat Khangura.
Coach Amrinder Singh Cheema highlighted the team’s preparation, saying, “The past five days have been about overcoming jet lag and adapting to conditions. The competition is fierce, but a strong start could set the tone for the tournament.”
Italy’s double Olympic champion Gabriele Rossetti is the top contender in men’s skeet, while the women’s event features American legend Kimberly Rhode leading a strong U.S. team. Chile’s reigning Olympic champion Francisco Crovetto Chadid is also expected to be a major threat.
Shooting Icons Gather in Buenos Aires
The first World Cup of the year has attracted a star-studded lineup to Buenos Aires. The biggest name is seven-time Olympic champion Kimberly Rhode, leading the American squad in the shotgun discipline.
Powerhouse nations like China, Italy, Australia, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany have all fielded strong teams. Additionally, several Russian shooters competing under the AIN designation are making a return to international competition, which could shift the balance of power in key events.
For more such updates follow Revsportz
The post ISSF World Cup Kicks Off in Argentina with High-Stakes Opening Events appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports.
