New Delhi to host India's first Para Shooting World Cup

Published at :March 7, 2024 at 6:15 PM

Modified at :March 7, 2024 at 6:16 PM

(Courtesy : TOI)

20 Paralympic quota places up for grabs

The anticipation is mounting as India prepares to host the grandest Para event ever conducted in the country – the New Delhi Para Shooting World Cup, set to kick off on the 8th of March 2024. With a record-breaking participation of 44 countries and a total of 449 participants, including 267 shooters, this event promises to be a spectacular showcase of talent, determination, and sportsmanship.

Renowned champions from across the globe, such as Veronika Vadovicova, Iriana Franches, and Dela Forest, alongside a formidable contingent of Indian champions including Avani Lekhara, Rudransh Khandelwal, Manish Narwal, and Singhraj Adhana, are gearing up for an intense battle for supremacy in the world of Para shooting. Veronika Vadovicova is one of the sport’s greats numerous medals.

The Indian team, with its 81 members, emerges as the largest contingent in the New Delhi 2024 WSPS World Cup, signaling the nation’s growing prowess and commitment to Para sports.

This event serves as a remarkable platform for India to showcase its rising might in the realm of Para shooting and affirm its status as a powerhouse in the sporting world. With teams from UAE, Russia, and China also fielding strong squads, the competition is set to be fierce. Notably, Russia will participate under the banner of Neutral Participating Athletes (NPA), adding an element of intrigue to the proceedings.

However, amidst the exhilarating action and fierce rivalries, the New Delhi 2024 WSPS World Cup holds special significance as it offers 20 coveted quota places for the Paris 2024 Paralympics. For athletes, this presents a golden opportunity to secure their spots in the upcoming Paralympic Games, adding an extra layer of intensity to an already thrilling event.

Trending Indian Sports articles

Deepa Malik, the Local Organising Committee President and the outgoing President of Paralympic Committee of India considers this as a new milestone for the growth of para-sports in India. “The world looks at us as a country with the potential to host world level para-sports events.

This also indicates that the ‘New India’ of Prime Minister Modiji’s vision is Viksit Bharat which is now emerging as inclusive in celebrating abilities beyond disabilities. I thank the World Shooting Para Sport and the International Paralympic Committee for entrusting us with this faith. I also thank the Government of India and the Sports Ministry and Indian Oil for supporting PCI to achieve this feat of world-level para-sports being hosted in India” says Deepa Malik.

Jay Prakash Nautiyal, Chairperson of Indian Para Shooting and also the Competition Director, considers this a great opportunity for India to showcase its preparedness for big international events. “When we started visiting countries as a team in 2017, no one took India seriously.

But today it gives me a lot of pride that within a short period of 7 years, the World Para Shooting Sports has considered India good enough to organize a tournament of this stature. It is a great opportunity for India to showcase its exceptional hospitality but also underscores its commitment to the growth and development of Para sports on a global scale” says Mr JP Nautiyal.

Gursharan Singh, Secretary General of the Local Organising Committee and PCI, also considers this a grand occasion for Indian Para Sports. “Shooting has been a sport which has always made the country proud at the International level. To host such a big event is never easy, but I am confident that when these participants leave the country, they will carry a lot of happy memories and a great impression of India which is continuously marching on the path of becoming a para sports superpower”, adds Mr Gursharan Singh.

The New Delhi 2024 WSPS World Cup is not just a competition; it is a celebration of human resilience, determination, and the unbreakable spirit of Para athletes.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram