Indian Shooters Prioritize Recovery and Strategic Breaks Ahead of Major Tournaments
With a packed calendar featuring the Asian Championships, Asian Games, and World Championships on the horizon, India's elite shooting contingent is adopting a focused approach centered on recovery and optimal performance. The national team, strategically divided into two groups, will participate in a maximum of two World Cups this year, ensuring adequate rest periods to maintain peak condition for the crucial competitions ahead.
Asian Championships Kick Off at Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range
The year's first international tournament, the Asian Shooting Championships, commenced at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi, featuring a star-studded Indian lineup. Reigning 10m air pistol World Champion Samrat Rana, current 25m rapid fire pistol silver medallist Anish Bhanwala, and Paris Olympic double medallist Manu Bhaker lead a formidable squad poised for success. This event offers a relatively favorable start, as the absence of Chinese shooters and a reduced Korean team alleviates some competitive pressure, allowing Indian athletes to target medals without overexerting themselves early in the season.
Shooters from Japan and Kazakhstan present notable challenges, but India's squad remains among the world's top-tier, with expectations of strong medal hauls across senior, junior, and youth categories. The tournament serves as a strategic warm-up for the demanding schedule ahead, which includes the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya and the World Championships in Doha, where Olympic quotas for the 2028 Los Angeles Games will be contested.
Structured Training and Recovery Protocols Implemented
To manage the rigorous cycle of training camps, domestic trials, and international competitions, the Indian shooting team has introduced a bifurcated group system. Each group is limited to two World Cup appearances this year, with carefully scheduled breaks integrated to enhance recovery. This approach aims to prevent burnout and sustain motivation, as emphasized by national coach Deepali Deshpande. "We have made significant changes in our overall training plan to ensure no shooter participates in more than two World Cups. This allows them to peak for the Asian Games and World Championship, totaling four international competitions," Deshpande explained.
Anish Bhanwala, reflecting on the strategy, noted, "I have kept it a little easy in the initial months, similar to last year's plan. With major competitions in September and November, the beginning of the year is designed to be less intense." This phased approach facilitates gradual buildup, enabling coaches to refine techniques and prepare shooters for high-stakes events.
Focus on Holistic Development and Mental Resilience
Beyond technical prowess, Indian shooters are emphasizing holistic well-being to maintain consistency. Arjun Babuta, a standout in the 10m air rifle discipline, highlighted the importance of recovery and mental fortitude. "I'm constantly in touch with our team to address nutritional needs and workout regimens. Improving sleep quality, especially during travel, has been crucial," Babuta shared. He added, "There's a mental aspect where constant competitions can dampen motivation. The goal is to be consistent not just on the range, but in all preparatory processes."
The squad's expansion continues with the integration of new talent, such as Arya Rajesh Borse in women's 10m air rifle and Aakriti Dahiya in women's 50m 3 Position event. This infusion of fresh faces, following the Paris Olympics, aims to build depth and experience for future challenges. Earlier, at the 2025 World Championships, Sharvan Kumar gained valuable exposure, finishing 12th in an event where Samrat Rana clinched the world title.
Comprehensive Squad for Asian Championships
The Indian team for the Asian Championships showcases a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents across various disciplines:
- Air Rifle Men: Arjun Babuta, Rudranksh Patil, Vishal Singh
- Air Rifle Women: Elavenil Valarivan, Meghana Sajjanar, Arya Rajesh Borse
- 50 Rifle 3P Men: Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, Niraj Kumar, Akhil Sheoran
- 50 Rifle 3P Women: Anjum Moudgil, Ashi Chouksey, Aakriti Dahiya
- Air Pistol Men: Samrat Rana, Sharvan Kumar, Varun Tomar
- Air Pistol Women: Suruchi, Manu Bhaker, Esha Singh
- 25m Rapid Fire Pistol Men: Anish, Adarsh Singh, Neeraj Kumar
- 25m Sports Pistol Women: Esha Singh, Manu Bhaker, Rhythm Sangwan
This strategic framework, combining limited competition exposure with enhanced recovery, positions Indian shooters to excel in the upcoming marquee events, balancing immediate medal prospects with long-term Olympic qualification goals.
