Liu Yukun, Yang Ji-in Shine as ISSF Athletes of the Year

China’s Liu Yukun, the reigning Olympic champion in the Paris 2024 Olympics, was honored as the athlete of the year by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF). Also, Korea’s Yang Ji-in, was named the female athlete of the year, recognizing her remarkable achievements in the sport.

Key Announcements and Honors

Liu Yukun of China : The Paris 2024 Olympics champion in the 50-metre rifle 3-position was named Athlete of the Year by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF).

Yang Ji-in of Korea : The women’s 25-metre sports pistol Olympic champion was adjudged the Female Athlete of the Year.

ISSF President Luciano Rossi : Presented the Athlete of the Year awards to Liu Yukun and Yang Ji-in.

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya : Declared the World Cup Final open, highlighting the event as a “celebration of excellence and unity.”

Event Details

Dates : October 15 to 17, 2024 (Finals Details)

Venue : Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, Tughlakabad, India.

Total Competitions : Four finals each day, covering all 12 Olympic events (pistol, rifle, shotgun categories).

Participating Countries : 37 countries.

Total Participants : 132 elite shooters.

India’s Contingent : India fields the largest team with 23 shooters, making up a significant proportion of the total participants.

Tournament Format

World Cup Final (WCF) : The season-ending tournament for elite shooters in pistol, rifle, and shotgun events.

Purpose : To determine the best performers of the year in each category, solidifying the rankings and standings for the season.

Liu Yukun

• Liu Yukun born 4 December 1997.
• He is a Chinese sport shooter and Olympic champion.
• At the 2024 Summer Olympics, Liu set the Olympic qualifying record and won gold in the men’s 50 metres rifle three positions.

Yang Ji-in

• Yang Ji-in born 20 May 2003.
• She is a South Korean sport shooter.
• She specializes in the 25 m pistol events.
• She won a gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Athlete of the Year awards
Athlete of the Year (Male)	Liu Yukun (China): Olympic champion in 50-metre rifle 3-position at Paris 2024 Olympics.
Athlete of the Year (Female)	Yang Ji-in (Korea): Olympic champion in 25-metre sports pistol at Paris 2024 Olympics.
ISSF President	Luciano Rossi: Presented the Athlete of the Year awards to Liu Yukun and Yang Ji-in.