Origin: Clay shooting was developed in the 19th century as a safer alternative to live pigeon shooting.
First Recorded Event: Clay shooting was introduced in England in 1883, with the Inanimate Bird Shooting Association (the forerunner of the C.P.S.A.) holding its first championship in 1893.
Olympic Status: Trap Shooting debuted in the 1900 Paris Olympics; Skeet was added in 1968.
Global Growth: Today, Clay Target Shooting is practiced in over 100 countries, governed by bodies like the ISSF (International Shooting Sport Federation).
In the 67th National Shooting Championship Competition (NSCC) held in December 2024, a record 13,522 shooters participated across various disciplines, including shotgun events. While the exact number of shotgun participants isn’t specified, this figure underscores the significant growth and popularity of shooting sports in India.
Trap shooting, in particular, has become the most widely pursued discipline among beginners, youth athletes, and senior competitors. It is prominently featured in school programs, state-level tournaments, and national championships.
This widespread participation reflects the sport’s accessibility and the structured pathways for athletes to progress from grassroots levels to international competitions.
Clay Target Shotgun Shooting has seen rapid growth nationwide, and India has earned medals at major events, including the Olympics, Asian Games, and World Cups.
Gujarat has quickly emerged as a leading state for promoting shooting sports, with increasing investments in world-class ranges, coaching programs, and athlete development. South Gujarat, especially the Surat district, is witnessing a remarkable rise in shooting talent. The region is cultivating a new generation of competitive shooters with modern facilities like Trishul Sports Association.
Shooters from Gujarat and South Gujarat are now making their mark at District events, State events, Pre-national events, National championships, Khelo India Games, and international platforms, showcasing the region’s growing excellence in clay target sports.
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