Shooting – Top shooters gear up for ISSF World Cup opener in Tangier
Shooting – The international shooting calendar for 2026 begins in Tangier, Morocco, where the ISSF Shotgun World Cup will open with the skeet competition on March 27 at the Club Tangerois de Tir. The event is expected to draw some of the finest shooters from around the world, setting the tone for a highly competitive season ahead.
Strong global field marks season opener
The opening day will feature both men’s and women’s skeet shooters taking on 75 targets, with the remaining 50 targets and finals scheduled for Sunday. Competitions will commence at 13:30 IST, while the finals are slated for later in the evening, with the women’s final followed by the men’s showdown.
The tournament has attracted a formidable lineup, including Olympic medallists and world champions. With many athletes beginning their journey toward future Olympic qualification, performances here are expected to carry significant importance.
Indian squad fields full-strength lineup
India has entered the maximum permitted number of participants, fielding six shooters each in the men’s and women’s categories. Additionally, two more shooters in each category will compete for ranking points, reflecting the depth of talent in the squad.
In the women’s category, the Indian team includes experienced Olympian Maheshwari Chauhan alongside Darshana Rathore and Yashasvi Rathore. Yashasvi, the younger of the Rathore siblings, has shown promise with a runner-up finish at the 68th National Championships and a junior silver medal at the Asian Championships in Shymkent last year. Areeba Khan and Mansi Raghuwanshi will also participate, aiming to gain valuable ranking exposure.
Star-studded women’s competition
The women’s field features several high-profile names, making it one of the most competitive lineups in recent times. Chile’s Olympic champion Francisca Crovetto Chadid returns to international action after a maternity break, while reigning world champion Samantha Simonton of the United States is also in contention.
Italy’s Diana Bacosi, a multiple Olympic and world champion, adds further depth to the competition. Other notable participants include former world champion Dania Jo Vizzi and Kazakhstan’s medal-winning shooter Assem Orynbay. The mix of seasoned champions and rising talents promises intense competition from the outset.
Experienced names lead men’s event
The men’s skeet competition features an 82-athlete field packed with accomplished shooters. Denmark’s Emil Kjeldgaard Petersen, a bronze medallist at the 2025 World Championships, headlines the list. He is joined by USA’s Christian Elliot, who won the World Cup Final last season, and Italy’s Olympic champion Gabriele Rossetti.
Denmark’s Jesper Hansen, a Tokyo Olympic silver medallist, and Qatar’s Masoud Saleh Al-Athba, a former world and Asian Games champion, are also among the strong contenders.
A notable development is Angad Vir Singh Bajwa representing Canada for the first time, having previously competed for India.
India’s men aim for strong start
India’s campaign in the men’s event will rely on experienced shooters such as Man Singh and Parampal Singh Guron. Man Singh, a former Asian champion, returns to the national team after a three-year gap, while Parampal is making his comeback since last representing the country in 2022.
Jyotiraditya Singh Sisodiya will be making his senior international debut, bringing with him confidence from a junior bronze medal performance at the Asian Championships. Sukhbir Singh Harika and Harmehar Singh Lally will also compete, focusing on improving their rankings.
Early benchmark for the season
With a blend of established champions and emerging athletes, the Tangier World Cup is expected to offer a clear glimpse into the competitive landscape of the year. As shooters begin their preparations for major global events, including Olympic qualification pathways, performances here could set the early standard.
The event not only marks the start of a new season but also provides an opportunity for athletes to test their form against the best in the world, making Tangier a focal point for the sport this week.