Gun For Glory Quartet Set to Represent India at ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou

Four athletes from the Gagan Narang Sports Promotion Foundation (Gun For Glory) are set to represent India at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou, China, as they prepare to compete against some of the world's best shooters in one of the biggest international shooting events of the season.

Leading the Gun For Glory contingent are Olympians Elavenil Valarivan and Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil, alongside emerging rifle shooters Sakshi Sunil Padekar and Shahu Tushar Mane. The quartet will be aiming to make a strong impression on the global stage following consistent performances in domestic and international competitions.

Experienced Olympians Lead India's Challenge

Elavenil Valarivan will compete in the Women's 10m Air Rifle and 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team events, while Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil has been selected for the Men's 10m Air Rifle and 50m Rifle 3 Positions competitions.

Their experience is expected to provide valuable guidance to the younger members of the contingent as India continues to build a strong pipeline of world-class rifle shooters.

Sakshi Padekar Continues Rapid Rise

Sakshi Sunil Padekar enters the competition after an impressive domestic season highlighted by a National Record. Having spent more than three years training at the Gun For Glory academy, the former NCC cadet has developed into one of India's most promising rifle shooters through consistent technical and mental preparation.

"My focus is on executing one shot at a time. That's the mindset that has worked for me and I want to carry the same confidence into the World Cup. We've been working on a few technical aspects over the last few weeks, and I want to trust both my preparation and my instincts during competition. Every tournament is a learning opportunity, and I'm excited to test myself against the world's best," Sakshi said.

Shahu Mane Targets Strong Performance

Shahu Tushar Mane heads to Hangzhou after a National Record-breaking performance during the Air Rifle trials. Having trained at Gun For Glory for the past two-and-a-half years, he has progressed from junior international competitions to the senior circuit while strengthening both his technical skills and mental approach.

"I'm not going into the World Cup with a specific target. When I performed my best recently, I was simply enjoying the sport and staying present, and that's the approach I want to take again. If I follow my routine, stay in the moment and enjoy competing, I know the results will take care of themselves. A medal would be special, but the priority is to perform to my potential," Shahu said.

Valuable International Exposure Ahead

The ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou offers another important opportunity for India's next generation of rifle shooters to gain valuable international experience ahead of major championships on the global calendar.

Gun For Glory Athletes Representing India

Athlete	Events
Elavenil Valarivan	Women's 10m Air Rifle, 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team
Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil	Men's 10m Air Rifle, 50m Rifle 3 Positions
Sakshi Sunil Padekar	Women's 10m Air Rifle
Shahu Tushar Mane	Men's 10m Air Rifle

About Gagan Narang Sports Promotion Foundation

The Gagan Narang Sports Promotion Foundation, popularly known as Gun For Glory, is one of India's leading shooting academies. Founded by Olympic medalist Gagan Narang, the foundation focuses on identifying and nurturing shooting talent through world-class coaching, infrastructure and sports science support.

 

(Inputs from Press Release)