ISSF World Cup Final 2024: Manu Bhaker Missing as NRAI Announces Indian Squad for ISSF World Cup Final 2024 in New Delhi

ISSF World Cup Final 2024 : In a surprising announcement by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), the 23 member squad for the ISSF World Cup Final 2024 in New Delhi does not feature two time Olympic bronze medallist Manu Bhaker. Scheduled from October 13 to 18 at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, the prestigious event will see India’s top shooters competing, but Bhaker’s absence has raised eyebrows.

Let’s have a look into more details: ISSF World Cup Final 2024

Why is Manu Bhaker Missing?

Manu Bhaker, one of India’s standout performers at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she secured two bronze medals in the women’s 10m air pistol and mixed team air pistol event, has opted for a three month break. Bhaker has been resting after her impressive Olympic run, which explains her exclusion from the squad. The NRAI made the announcement on September 12, confirming Bhaker’s decision to step back for recovery and rejuvenation.

Indian Squad for ISSF World Cup Final 2024

Though Manu Bhaker will not compete, India’s shooting squad is brimming with talent. Rhythm Sangwan, another rising star in Indian shooting, will participate in two events , 10m air pistol and 25m sports pistol – becoming a key player to watch.

Several other notable names from India’s Paris Olympic squad are included, such as Arjun Babuta (men’s 10m air rifle), Anish Bhanwala (men’s 25m rapid fire pistol), and Rajeshwari Kumari (women’s trap). In total, the team features 12 Olympians, with a mix of rifle, pistol, and shotgun shooters ready to take on the world’s best.

Full Indian Shooting Squad for ISSF World Cup Final

• Air Rifle (Men): Divyansh Singh Panwar, Arjun Babuta
• Air Rifle (Women): Sonam Uttam Maskar, Tilottama Sen
• 50M Rifle 3P (Men): Chain Singh, Akhil Sheoran
• 50M Rifle 3P (Women): Ashi Chouksey, Nischal
• Air Pistol (Men): Arjun Singh Cheema, Varun Tomar
• Air Pistol (Women): Rhythm Sangwan, Surbhi Rao
• 25M Rapid Fire Pistol (Men): Anish, Vijayveer Sidhu
• 25M Sports Pistol (Women): Rhythm Sangwan, Simranpreet Kaur Brar
• Trap (Men): Vivaan Kapoor, Bhowneesh Mendiratta
• Trap (Women): Rajeshwari Kumari, Shreyasi Singh
• Skeet (Men): Anantjeet Singh Naruka, Mairaj Ahmad Khan
• Skeet (Women): Ganemat Sekhon, Maheshwari Chauhan

While Bhaker’s absence leaves a void, Rhythm Sangwan has emerged as the player to watch, being the only Indian shooter competing in two events. Sangwan’s growth over the past year and her strong performances at international meets make her a strong contender for a podium finish at the World Cup Final.

Interestingly, Bhaker is not the only Olympic medallist missing from the squad. Sarabjot Singh and Swapnil Kusale, who also secured medals in Paris, have not been named in the team. The rest of the squad, however, is filled with familiar names, including seasoned shooters like Mairaj Ahmad Khan (men’s skeet) and Chain Singh (men’s 50m rifle 3 positions), both making their return.

As India prepares to host the ISSF World Cup Final, the absence of Manu Bhaker adds an intriguing element to the competition. Nonetheless, with a strong squad in place and Rhythm Sangwan leading the charge, the tournament promises excitement for Indian shooting fans.

This event not only marks the conclusion of the international shooting season but also serves as a stepping stone for shooters eyeing glory in future Olympic events. Fans will keenly follow the competition to see who emerges victorious at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range.

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