Shooting has been one of India’s most successful Olympic sports. Abhinav Bindra won India’s first individual Olympic gold in the 10m air rifle at Beijing 2008. At Paris 2024, Manu Bhaker won two bronze medals, becoming the first Indian after Independence to win two medals at a single Olympics, one of them with Sarabjot Singh in the mixed team event. Swapnil Kusale also won bronze in the 50m rifle three positions.
Who governs the sport
The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) sets the rules. In India, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) governs the sport.
Rifle events
- 10m air rifle: shooters fire at a target 10 metres away in standing position.
- 50m rifle three positions: kneeling, prone and standing.
Pistol events
- 10m air pistol: fired with one hand from 10 metres.
- 25m rapid fire pistol (men): five targets in quick series.
- 25m pistol (women): a precision stage and a rapid stage.
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Shotgun events
- Trap: clay targets are thrown away from the shooter at varying angles.
- Skeet: targets are thrown from two houses, crossing in front of the shooter.
Mixed team events
Mixed team events in 10m air rifle, 10m air pistol and skeet pair one man and one woman from the same country.
How finals work
Qualification rounds decide the top eight. In finals, scores restart, and in many events shooters are eliminated one by one after set series. Rifle and pistol targets in finals are scored with decimals, such as 10.9 for a perfect centre shot.
Frequently asked questions
What is a perfect score in 10m air rifle?
In qualification, each shot is scored up to 10 (decimal scoring up to 10.9 is used in finals and in many qualification formats under ISSF rules).
Who was India’s first Olympic medallist in shooting?
Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore won silver in men’s double trap at Athens 2004.
How can young shooters start?
Join a club or academy affiliated with your state rifle association, which works under the NRAI. Licences and safety rules apply for firearms, while air guns are used for beginners.
Bottom line
From air rifle to skeet, Olympic shooting tests precision and calm under pressure, and India has a growing record of medals in it.
Source / स्रोत: International Shooting Sport Federation, National Rifle Association of India
