ISSF Shotgun World Cup 2026 Almaty: Indian Squad, Schedule, and Live Streaming Guide
- A 12-member Indian shotgun squad has arrived in Almaty, Kazakhstan, to compete in the second stage of the 2026 International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup.
- The Indian contingent includes high-profile Olympians Mairaj Ahmad Khan, Anantjeet Singh Naruka, and Raiza Dhillon.
- The 10-day roster of competition begins with skeet qualifiers on May 4, 2026.
A 12-member Indian shotgun squad has arrived in Almaty, Kazakhstan, to compete in the second stage of the 2026 International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup. The event, which runs from May 2 to May 11, 2026, features 284 athletes from 42 national Olympic committees competing across five Olympic events.
The Indian contingent includes high-profile Olympians Mairaj Ahmad Khan, Anantjeet Singh Naruka, and Raiza Dhillon. According to reports from IANS and New Kerala, the squad is composed of both quota-holding athletes and eight members traveling to compete as ranking points only (RPO) shooters.
Competition Schedule and Format
The 10-day roster of competition begins with skeet qualifiers on May 4, 2026. The schedule concludes with the trap finals, which are slated to run through May 10, 2026.
The events in Almaty are critical for athletes seeking to improve their world rankings and secure positions for upcoming international cycles. The competition is being managed by Shotgun Competition Manager Abdulla Al Hammadi of Qatar, with Mark Pochivalov of Kazakhstan serving as a key organizer.
Indian Squad Composition
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has deployed a strategic mix of experienced shooters and developing talent. The inclusion of RPO shooters allows the federation to provide international exposure to a broader group of athletes while they attempt to climb the ISSF world rankings.
- Total Indian participants: 12 athletes
- RPO (Ranking Points Only) participants: 8 athletes
- Key athletes: Mairaj Ahmad Khan, Anantjeet Singh Naruka, and Raiza Dhillon
The event marks a significant shift in the 2026 calendar, as the ISSF previously announced in September 2025 that this World Cup leg would be moved from Shymkent to Almaty.
Viewing and Access
Fans in India can follow the progress of the squad via live streaming options. The ISSF provides official coverage and updates through its digital platforms, including YouTube, while the event’s official results are tracked via the ISSF sports portal.
The Almaty stage serves as a vital benchmark for the Indian shotgun team as they refine their performance in the five Olympic events, focusing on consistency and precision under the pressure of the World Cup circuit.
