Rahi Sarnobat Eyes ISSF World Cup and Asian Games After Dominating National Selection Trials

Indian pistol shooting star Rahi Sarnobat has set her sights on the upcoming ISSF World Cup in China and the Asian Games after topping the T4 national selection trials in the women's 25m sports pistol event.

The former Asian Games gold medallist delivered an impressive performance in one of the country's most competitive domestic selection events, earning a place in India's highly competitive 25m Pistol squad for the upcoming international assignments.

Sarnobat Highlights Importance of Consistency

Reflecting on her performance at the national selection trials, Sarnobat said earning a place in the Indian team requires sustained excellence due to the high standard of competition in the domestic circuit.

"Earning a place in the national team is never easy because our domestic trials are extremely competitive. More than the score itself, I was happy with how I executed my process under pressure. It reassured me that the work I have been putting in over the past few months is moving in the right direction. The focus now is to keep improving and carry this consistency forward," she said.

Experience Meets Youth in India's 25m Pistol Squad

Sarnobat believes the current Indian squad benefits from a healthy blend of experienced campaigners and talented young shooters, creating an environment that continually raises performance standards.

"It's a wonderful balance, as every generation brings something unique to the firing line. The younger shooters bring tremendous energy, confidence, and fresh perspectives to the squad. Meanwhile, experience helps in handling immense pressure, staying patient, and managing expectations during major events. It is incredibly exciting to be part of such a talented team," she added.

The veteran shooter also highlighted the depth of competition in Indian women's 25m pistol shooting, noting that training alongside elite athletes such as Manu and Esha has helped elevate standards across the squad.

"The level of competition within India is incredibly high, and that remains one of our biggest strengths as a shooting nation. Training alongside world-class teammates like Manu and Esha means you have to be at your absolute best every single day. It creates an environment where everyone keeps raising the benchmark, backed by mutual respect."

Mental Strength Key to Success

Sarnobat explained that her approach to competitive shooting has evolved significantly over the years, with greater emphasis now placed on emotional control and mental composure rather than focusing solely on results.

"Experience has taught me that results are a consequence of hard work. Today, I trust my preparation and stay entirely present in every shot. I've learned to accept both good and difficult moments without reacting emotionally. That mental stability helps me make better decisions and recover quickly if something doesn't go as planned."

Focus Shifts to World Cup and Asian Games

With the national high-performance training camp currently underway, the Indian shooting squad is concentrating on match simulations, tactical preparation and physical conditioning before departing for consecutive international competitions.

"The national camp is crucial because it allows us to refine every aspect of preparation, from technical execution to physical conditioning. The immediate goal is to build consistency and confidence heading into the World Cup, and then carry that momentum into the Asian Games. As a team, we want to perform to our full potential," Sarnobat said.

Having once again demonstrated her class in the domestic circuit, Sarnobat will now look to translate her impressive form onto the international stage as India targets strong performances at both the ISSF World Cup and the Asian Games.

(Inputs from Press Release)