New Delhi will once again take centre stage on the international shooting calendar after the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) secured hosting rights for the Asian Rifle and Pistol Championships 2027, a key Olympic qualification event for the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
The confirmation came via an official communication from the Asian Shooting Confederation (ASC), with Secretary General H.E. Eng. Duaij AlOtaibi informs NRAI President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo of the successful bid. The continental championship will offer eight Olympic quota places across rifle and pistol events.
This will mark the second consecutive year that India hosts Asia’s premier rifle and pistol competition, following the 2026 edition scheduled to begin this week at the same venue in the capital.
Adding to India’s growing prominence in global shooting, the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) has already allotted New Delhi the hosting rights for the ISSF World Cup Rifle, Pistol and Shotgun in April 2027. That event will feature an additional 12 Olympic quota places for LA 2028, providing Indian shooters multiple opportunities to secure qualification on home soil.
Welcoming the development, NRAI President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo said the twin events would significantly strengthen India’s Olympic campaign. He noted that Indian shooters will benefit from competing in familiar conditions across two major international tournaments spread through the year, particularly in rifle and pistol disciplines.
NRAI Secretary General Pawankumar Singh credited the achievement to coordinated efforts by the federation and strong institutional backing. He acknowledged the support of the Sports Authority of India, the Ministry of Sports, and various government agencies, stating that their involvement has helped position India as a preferred destination for top-level shooting competitions.
India’s rise as a major hub for sport shooting has gathered pace in recent years. Since the Paris 2024 Olympics, where shooters accounted for three of India’s medals, the country has consistently hosted elite international tournaments at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range, further reinforcing its status on the global shooting map.
