Global Participation in 2025
A total of 2,606 athletes competed in ISSF events:
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1,528 men (59%)
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1,078 women (41%)
Women represented more than two out of every five athletes on the international stage.
Rifle & Pistol: Near Parity
Rifle and Pistol disciplines showed almost equal participation:
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1,594 athletes total
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838 men (53%)
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756 women (47%)
This balance was also reflected at World Championships level:
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Shotgun – Athens: 65% men / 35% women
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Rifle/Pistol – Cairo: 55% men / 45% women
Precision disciplines continue to demonstrate strong female representation.
Shotgun: Progress Continues
In Shotgun:
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1,012 athletes total
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690 men (68%)
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322 women (32%)
While participation remains approximately 2:1 in favour of men, female representation continues to grow steadily.
World Records: Women Lead
In 2025:
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Men set 23 World Records
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Women set 29 World Records
Women not only matched the standard — they surpassed it, setting the highest number of World Records this season.
ISSF Athlete Database: A Strong Pipeline
As of 31 December 2025:
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31,772 registered athletes (37% women)
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6,216 active athletes in 2025 (41% women)
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1,381 new ISSF IDs issued in 2025, with women representing 43%
The percentage of newly registered female athletes signals strong momentum for the next generation.
A Measurable Path Forward
The 2025 data confirms that inclusion in shooting sport is visible in participation, performance, and new athlete engagement.
With near parity in Rifle and Pistol, steady growth in Shotgun, and more World Records set by women than men, progress toward sustainable equality continues to move forward — in numbers and in performance.