Many of the world’s best young shooting sport athletes will converge at New Delhi ‘s Dr.Karni Singh Shooting Range in November as it hosts the 2024 World University Championship Shooting event - a month after staging the ISSF World Cup Final.
Excitement is growing as the International University Sports Federation (FISU) prepares to hold the eighth edition of a Championship that first took place in 2003 from November 9 to 13.
The event has proved a superb testing environment for major talents who have gone on to make their mark in world and Olympic competition.
For instance the first FISU World University Championship – staged at Pilsen in Czechia – saw home athlete Martin Podhrasky earn bronze in the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol.
Then a 19-year-old medical student, Podhrasky has since competed at the Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Paris 2024 Olympics and this year won the Olympic Qualification Championship in Rio de Janeiro as well as the ISSF World Cup in Baku.
A total of 324 athletes took part at the last of these Championships to be held, in Kuala Lumpur six years ago.
In his address to participating athletes, Dr Amit Bhalla, President of the Organising Committee in New Delhi, said:
“India is proud to host this prestigious event, and we are committed to providing the best facilities and an unparalleled experience for all athletes.
“Our state-of-the-art venues are equipped to ensure that you have access to top-notch facilities, enabling you to showcase your skills at their very best.
“We are dedicated to promoting fairness, camaraderie, and the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the championship.
“India’s rich cultural heritage, coupled with our renowned hospitality, guarantees an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
“The World University Championship Shooting 2024 is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of talent, dedication and the universality of sports.
“I am confident that this event will foster friendships, create lasting memories, and contribute to the global unity that sports uniquely inspire.”
Meanwhile the ISSF World Cup Final is due to take place in New Delhi from October 13 to 18.