India to Host ISSF World Cup 2027 and Junior World Championship 2028 in New Delhi.

India has been awarded the hosting rights for two major global shooting events—the ISSF World Cup 2027 and the ISSF Junior World Championship 2028. Both events will be held in New Delhi and are expected to strengthen India’s status as a key player in international shooting sports.

      - The ISSF (International Shooting Sport Federation) has confirmed that New Delhi will host the 2027 ISSF World Cup, one of the most prestigious global shooting tournaments. This event will bring together over 500 elite shooters from nearly 70 countries, competing across rifle, pistol, and shotgun disciplines. It is scheduled to be conducted at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Ranges in Delhi, a venue known for hosting multiple global events including the ISSF World Cup Final in 2024.

      - India will also host the ISSF Junior World Championship 2028, making it the first time this event will be organised in the country. The championship will feature under-21 athletes from across the world competing in various team and individual shooting categories. The tournament is expected to run for around eight days in New Delhi and will act as a major global exposure opportunity for India’s emerging shooters.

      - These decisions were finalised during the ISSF Executive Committee meeting held on 10 July 2025 in New Delhi. The announcements follow a series of recent international event allocations to India, including the ISSF Junior World Cup in September 2025, the Asian Rifle/Pistol Cup in February 2026, and the Shooting League of India in November 2025, showcasing India’s growing stature in shooting sport governance and infrastructure.

Main Point :-   (i) The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), under the leadership of President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, has played a pivotal role in securing these hosting rights. The organisation is working closely with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) to ensure smooth execution of these global events. NRAI Secretary General K. Sultan Singh stated that India’s successful bid reflects the ISSF’s confidence in India’s sporting capabilities.

      (ii) Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur has welcomed the ISSF’s decision, highlighting that the events will create a “pipeline of excellence” and promote sports culture across India. Hosting major competitions ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games aligns with India’s Olympic preparation strategy, allowing athletes to compete against top international rivals on home soil.

(iii) These high-level international events are expected to lead to substantial investments in shooting sports infrastructure, international coaching exchanges, and capacity building. With an aim to conduct at least one major international shooting event every year till 2028, India is strategically positioning itself as a global hub for shooting sports, empowering young athletes and boosting medal prospects for future Olympics.