India’s trap shooting squad concluded the first two days of qualification at the inaugural ISSF Shotgun World Cup in Tangier, Morocco, without advancing to the finals in either the men’s or women’s events. Kynan Chenai led the men’s team with a score of 119 over five rounds, securing 13th place, while Bhowneesh Mendiratta finished 39th with 115. Olympian Prithviraj Tondaiman placed 57th, and teammates Sultan Mohammad Asad and Gyanchand Sharan Susheel ended 64th and 73rd. The results reflect the depth of the global field and highlight areas for strategic and technical improvement.
Men’s Trap: Strong Competition but Narrow Margins
The men’s trap event demonstrated the fine margins that separate finalists from the rest of the field. Kynan Chenai emerged as India’s top performer with a score of 119, placing him 13th—just shy of the cutoff for the final rounds.
Bhowneesh Mendiratta followed at 115, finishing 39th. Olympian Prithviraj Tondaiman ranked 57th, with Sultan Mohammad Asad and Gyanchand Sharan Susheel concluding at 64th and 73rd, respectively. Each athlete faced stiff competition, with small inconsistencies determining overall standings.
Global Field Highlights Technical Challenges
The Tangier World Cup reinforced the level of precision required in elite trap shooting. Minor lapses in focus, timing, or environmental adjustments can dramatically impact scores. While India’s shooters demonstrated technical proficiency, advancing to the finals demanded peak performance under pressure, signaling areas for refinement ahead of upcoming international events.
Strategic Takeaways for Indian Shooting
India’s performance underscores the necessity of tactical planning, mental conditioning, and precision execution. For athletes such as Chenai and Mendiratta, incremental improvements in shot accuracy, consistency, and course strategy could convert near-misses into final-round qualifications.
Investment in data-driven coaching, sports psychology, and international exposure will be essential to strengthen India’s position on the global trap shooting stage.
Looking Forward: Building on Experience
Although no Indian shooter advanced to the finals, the Tangier World Cup offers valuable lessons for the national team. Focused technical adjustments, sustained international participation, and performance analytics are likely to bridge the gap, enhancing India’s prospects in future ISSF events.
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