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New Delhi: India will field a 22-member team at the ISSF Rifle/Pistol World Cup to be held in Munich from May 24 to 31. Dual Olympic medalist Manu Bhakar, included in this team, will also participate in two individual pistol events apart from the mixed team competition. The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) on Sunday announced the team which has a mix of experienced and young shooters. This tournament is considered one of the biggest annual competitions of this game.

Apart from Manu, Olympian and World Championship medalist Isha Singh will also participate in two individual pistol events. For the first time this season, India’s top shooters are going to participate in a major international tournament outside the country. The competitions will begin on May 26, starting with the women’s 25m pistol precision stage. On the first day, there will also be a qualification round of men’s 10 meter air pistol and an elimination round of women’s 50 meter rifle three positions. Along with this, the qualification round of men’s 10 meter air rifle event will also be played. The finals of men’s 10m air pistol and 10m air rifle will also be held on the first day of the competition. A total of 696 shooters from 80 countries, including several Olympic and world champions, are expected to participate in the Munich World Cup.

This tournament will serve as an important platform for preparation for the World Championships and other major multi-sport events to be held later this year. India had won a gold medal in the first Rifle/Pistol World Cup of the current season held in Grenada in April. In that tournament, India had fielded shooters whose domestic ranking was between third to sixth. However, India’s top ranking rifle and pistol shooters will participate in this competition to be held in Munich and they will compete against strong players of international level.