ISSF’s new rifle clothing rule a test for shooters

The fight for spots in the Indian shooting team in the year of the Asian Games and World Championships - which will also offer quota places for 2028 LA Olympics - will begin with the two selection trials at the Karni Singh Shooting range here starting on Monday.

- Avishek Roy

For the rifle shooters though another big test awaits as they prepare to take their positions in the qualification range. It is to get their clothing gear cleared at the equipment control room, according to new ISSF (world shooting body) specifications.

The ISSF thickness and stiffness standards for rifle jackets and trousers are being implemented by the NRAI in these trials.

From Paris Olympics bronze medallist Swapnil Kusale to world championships silver medallist Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, India’s top shooters have spent the last few days in the range worrying more about their apparel than performance at the trials.