16th RR Lakshya Cup 2025 to feature India’s top-ranked Air Rifle shooters in Navi Mumbai

 by Pranita Kurani 

India’s top-ranked Air Rifle shooters will compete at the 16th RR Lakshya Cup 2025, powered by RR Global, to be held at Lakshya Shooting Club, Karnala Sports Academy, Panvel, Navi Mumbai, from February 21–22, 2026.

Lakshya Shooting Club, founded in 2006, introduced the annual Lakshya Cup as an intra-club competition in 2009. Since 2016, it has evolved into one of India’s most respected invitation-only rifle competitions, providing a professionally structured platform for junior and senior athletes in a competitive environment aligned with international standards.

The tournament was conceptualized by Olympian, Arjuna Awardee and Dronacharya Awardee Suma Shirur, Founder and High Performance Director of Lakshya Shooting Club.

Speaking ahead of the 16th edition, Suma Shirur said, “The Lakshya Cup was created to prepare Indian rifle shooters for the demands of international sport. High performance is built through structure, discipline and exposure to competitive pressure. This platform challenges athletes to perform with composure and consistency at the highest level.”

Finals Schedule:

 The Junior 10m Air Rifle Final will be held at 2:00 PM, followed by the Senior 10m Air Rifle Final at 3:30 PM on February 22, 2026.

The Prize Distribution Ceremony will commence at 5:30 PM.

A Commitment to Gender Parity:

A defining feature of the Lakshya Cup since its inception in 2009 is gender parity. Women and men in the senior category, and girls and boys in the junior category, compete shoulder-to-shoulder for equal podium positions.

This format reflects the belief that in shooting sport, performance is determined by skill, focus and temperament — not gender. The approach aligns with the evolution of international shooting, including Olympic mixed team medal events.

Strengthening India’s Rifle Ecosystem: 

Lakshya Shooting Club has been a Khelo India-accredited academy since 2018 and continues to contribute to India’s competitive rifle pipeline.

The 10m Air Rifle discipline holds historic significance in Indian sport, having gained national prominence when Abhinav Bindra secured India’s first individual Olympic gold medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Through structured competition and professional event management, the Lakshya Cup continues to strengthen India’s high-performance shooting ecosystem.

Confirmed Participants:

*Kiran Jadhav - Reigning National Champion and World Championship Medalist

* ⁠Sonam Maskar - ISSF World Cup Medalist

* Parth Mane - Reigning National Games Champion and Jr. World Champion

* ⁠Rajshree Sancheti – International shooter & former National Champion

* ⁠Ojasvi Thakur – Recently concluded Asian Championships Youth Gold Medalist

Prize Money:

The Senior Champion will take home ₹1.5 lakhs and the rotating Silver Trophy (currently held by Kiran Jadhav of Navy)

The Junior Champion will be richer by ₹75,000

Additional cash prizes will be awarded to other podium finishers. Athletes also stand to win shooting equipment and accessories courtesy Capapie, global leaders in shooting gear, and accessories by Tiro Sports.

About RR Global: 

RR Global is a diversified Indian conglomerate operating across the electrical and infrastructure value chain, with a strong presence in wires & cables, switchgear, lighting, and electrical solutions. Extending its brand footprint beyond business, the Group actively supports professional sports through marquee sponsorships, including volleyball and top-tier cricket leagues, apart from shooting, reflecting its commitment to high-performance platforms and national engagement.

About Lakshya Shooting Club:

Founded in 2006, Lakshya Shooting Club is one of India’s premier shooting academies, integrating technical coaching, sports science support and structured competitive exposure for aspiring and elite shooters

16th RR LAKSHYA CUP 2025 is thankful to Maharashtra Rifle Association and the National Rifle Association of India for their support.