Paralympic shooting, governed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and coordinated by World Shooting Para Sport, adapts rifle and pistol events for athletes with physical disabilities. Debuting in 1976, it emphasizes accuracy from 10m, 25m, and 50m distances, with scores up to 10.9 points per shot. As of 2025, 12 events feature SH1 (standing) and SH2 (seated) classes, with classifications ensuring equity. In India, Paralympic shooting is a powerhouse, with shooters like Manish Narwal targeting the 2028 Olympics, bolstered by 2024’s 3 golds at the Asian Para Games.
History
Paralympic shooting evolved from military rehabilitation, with early events in 1948 Stoke Mandeville Games. It joined the Paralympics in 1976 in Toronto, initially with 25m pistol and rifle. The 2013-2016 rule changes shortened events and introduced decimal scoring for decisive finals. In 2023, IPC rebranded it “shooting Para sport.” India’s Paralympic shooting surged post-2010, with 2024 Asian Para Games yielding 3 golds, led by Narwal’s P3 mixed 25m pistol win.
Classification System
- SH1: Shooters who can support firearms without stands (e.g., standing or seated without aids).
- SH2: Shooters requiring stands (e.g., seated with support).
- SH3: Blind shooters using sound-emitting targets (not in Paralympics).
Sub-classes (A-C) denote wheelchair backrest heights. India’s shooters, like Narwal (SH1), dominate P3 mixed; 2024 classified 200+ new athletes.
Rifle Events
- 10m Air Rifle Standing (R1-R2): SH1; 60 shots (men), 40 (women).
- 10m Air Rifle Prone (R3): SH1/SH2 mixed; 60 shots.
- 50m Rifle Prone (R6): SH1/SH2 mixed; 60 shots.
- 50m Rifle 3-Position (R7-R8): SH1; walk, kneel, prone (men 3×40; women 3×20).
India’s Manish Narwal won R7 in 2024, scoring 1177.
Pistol Events
- 10m Air Pistol (P1-P2): SH1; 60 shots (men), 40 (women).
- 25m Pistol (P3): SH1 mixed; 60 shots.
- 50m Pistol (P4): SH1 mixed; 60 shots.
- 10m Air Pistol Standard (P5): SH1 mixed; 60 shots.
India’s P3 dominance: 3/6 Asian Para Games golds in 2024.
Scoring and Rules
- Qualification: Unlimited sighters; 60/40 shots in 50 minutes.
- Finals: Top 8 start at zero; 24-shot sequence eliminates low scorers; decimal duel for gold.
- Adaptations: SH2 use rifle stands; no slings for SH2; shortened jackets for seated shooters.
India’s 2024 nationals used electronic targets, boosting scores by 10%.
Major Competitions
- Paralympics: Since 1976; 12 events (6 rifle, 6 pistol). China leads with 50+ golds.
- World Championships: Annual; 2023 Lima saw Ukraine’s Ihor Romanenko win R7.
- Asian Para Games: Quadrennial; China dominates; India 3 golds in 2024.
- IPC World Cups: Regional qualifiers; 2025 Al-Ain (UAE) features India’s team.
India’s 2025 Worlds entry in Lima includes Narwal; 2026 Asian Para Games targets 5 medals.
Table of Paralympic Shooting Milestones and India’s Role
| Milestone | Global Description | India Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Paralympic Debut | 1976 Toronto; 25m pistol/rifle. | India debuted 1988; 3 golds at 2024 Asian Para Games. |
| Rule Changes | 2013-2016: Decimal scoring, shortened finals. | India adopted in 2014; Narwal’s 1177 in R7 (2024). |
| Classifications | SH1/SH2; SH3 for blind (non-Paralympic). | 200+ classified; Narwal (SH1) leads P3. |
| World Championships | Annual; China leads with 50+ golds. | India competes since 2010; 2025 Lima entry. |
| Asian Para Games | Quadrennial; China dominates. | India 3rd in 2024; targets 5 medals in 2026. |
Paralympic shooting’s precision inspires. India’s shooters, led by Narwal, aim for 2028 Olympic Paralympic glory. Visit shootingparasport.org or sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in for more.