India to host shooting's Asian Olympic qualifying championship in 2027

By Admin

04 Feb, 2026

India is set to achieve a historic milestone in international shooting as New Delhi will host the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship in 2027, an Olympic qualifying event for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. For the first time ever, the country will stage two Olympic quota competitions in a single Olympic cycle, underlining India’s growing stature in global shooting sports.

Asian Championship to Offer Eight Olympic Quota Places

The Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship in 2027 will offer eight direct quota places for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. These slots will be in addition to the 12 quota places available through the ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun, scheduled to be held in Delhi from April 21 to 30 next year.

This dual opportunity gives shooters an unprecedented chance to qualify for the Olympics on home soil, a significant advantage in a sport where familiarity with conditions can make a decisive difference.

Confirmation from Asian Shooting Confederation

The allotment of the Asian Olympic qualifier was confirmed by the Asian Shooting Confederation in an official letter addressed to the National Rifle Association of India president Kalikesh Singh Deo. The NRAI has stated that the exact dates for the Asian qualifier will be finalised and announced in due course.

In its communication, the ASC congratulated the NRAI for securing the hosting rights and expressed confidence that the championship would be organised to the highest international standards.

Leadership Voices Confidence and Pride

Reacting to the announcement, NRAI president Kalikesh Singh Deo expressed excitement at the prospect of Indian shooters competing for Olympic berths with home advantage across two major events in the year. He thanked the ASC leadership for continuing to trust India’s capability to host world-class shooting competitions.

NRAI secretary general Pawankumar Singh described the development as a proud moment for the nation. Speaking to PTI, he highlighted that this would be the first time India hosts two Olympic quota competitions, with the ISSF World Cup and the Asian Championships both taking place in New Delhi at the Karni Singh Ranges.

Growing Trust from ISSF and Global Bodies

Singh also noted that the confidence shown by the International Shooting Sport Federation reflects the rising influence and credibility of Indian shooting on the world stage. He pointed out that while Olympic qualification slots were not available through World Cups during the Paris Olympic cycle, they have been reinstated for the Los Angeles cycle, creating fresh opportunities for Indian athletes.

With a maximum quota allocation of 24 places allowed per country, India will be aiming to surpass the 22 quotas it secured ahead of the Paris Games.

A Strong Build-Up with 2026 Asian Championships

Adding further momentum, Delhi is also hosting the Asian Championships (Rifle/Pistol) in February 2026 at the Karni Singh Ranges. The event will see over 300 shooters from 20 countries competing across junior and senior categories, serving as both a competitive showcase and a rehearsal for the larger Olympic qualifying events to follow.

A Landmark Moment for Indian Shooting

Hosting the Asian Olympic qualifying championship in 2027, alongside the ISSF World Cup, firmly positions India as a central hub for elite shooting competitions. For Indian shooters, it represents a rare and valuable opportunity to chase Olympic dreams at home, while for the sport itself, it signals the country’s arrival as a trusted and influential force in international shooting.