New Delhi: Six months ago at the Rio Olympics, Indian shooters proved to be a disappointment, as a dozen of them returned home empty handed for the first time in four editions.

Barring seasoned campaigner Abhinav Bindra, none of the marksmen could come anywhere near the medal bracket.

On Friday, when the World Cup shooting kicks off at the Karni Singh range, it would be a huge opportunity for the hosts to regain some prestige.

India have a rather new-look team. Of course, Gagan Narang, the winner of the bronze medal in 10 metres air rifle in London Olympics, is there. But he is only competing in the prone event.

"As a professional shooter, I have participated in several World Cups, world championships, Asian Games and Olympics and won medals almost everywhere. But I still feel extremely motivated and want to win more medals," said Narang.

This time India's men's air rifle team consists of new generation shooters like Satyendra Singh, Ravi Kumar and Deepak Kumar. The women's squad will consist of Pooja Ghatkar, Meghana Sajjanar, Vinita Bhardwaj and Apurvi Chandela, who proved a disaster in Rio.

The focus will also be on pistol shooter Jitu Rai. "Too many times I am reminded by people about my failure to win a medal in the Olympics. I did my best, but somehow things did not go my way. Now I am back on track."