Six Indian shooters are set to commence their trap events at the ISSF World Championship Shotgun 2025 in Athens, Greece, starting today. Competing at the Malakasa Shooting Range, they aim to secure top-six finishes in the qualification rounds to advance to the finals.
The qualification process involves three rounds: 50 targets on October 15, another 50 on October 16, and the final 25 on October 17. The top six shooters from each category will move on to the finals, with the women's final scheduled for 5:30 PM IST and the men's final at 7:00 PM IST on October 17.
Women's Trap Contingent
The Indian women's trap team comprises:
- Neeru Dhanda: World No.8 and reigning Asian Champion, known for her consistent performances at international events.
- Aashima Ahlawat: Asian Championship bronze medalist, bringing experience and skill to the team.
- Kirti Gupta: Completing the trio, she adds depth and versatility to the squad.
They will face formidable opponents, including defending World Champion Lin Yi-Chun of Chinese Taipei, World No.1 Lada Denisova (AIN), World No.2 Silvana Stanco (Italy), and Paris Olympic champion Adriana Ruano (Guatemala).
Men's Trap Contingent
The men's team features:
- Zoravar Singh Sandhu: Veteran shooter with a World No.12 ranking, leading the Indian challenge.
- Vivaan Kapoor: Former Junior World Champion, bringing youthful energy and determination.
- Bhowneesh Mendiratta: Asian Championship silver medalist, known for his precision and composure.
The men's event includes 141 athletes, with notable competitors such as reigning World Champion Giovanni Cernogoraz (Croatia), Olympic gold medalist Nathan Hales (Great Britain), and World No.4 Jean Pierre Brol (Guatemala).
Qualification Schedule and Format
The qualification rounds are as follows:
- October 15: First 50 targets for both men and women.
- October 16: Second 50 targets.
- October 17: Final 25 targets; top six advance to finals.
The finals will be held on the same day, with the women's trap final at 5:30 PM IST and the men's final at 7:00 PM IST.
Key International Contenders
In the women's event, key contenders include:
- Lin Yi-Chun (Chinese Taipei): Defending World Champion.
- Lada Denisova (AIN): World No.1.
- Silvana Stanco (Italy): World No.2.
- Alessandra Perilli (San Marino): World No.3.
- Carey Jeana Garrison (USA): World No.4.
- Adriana Ruano (Guatemala): Paris Olympic champion.
In the men's event, notable shooters include:
- Giovanni Cernogoraz (Croatia): Reigning World Champion.
- Marian Kovacocy (Slovakia): 2023 World Championship podium finisher.
- Khaled Al-Mudhaf (Kuwait): 2023 World Championship podium finisher.
- Nathan Hales (Great Britain): Olympic gold medalist.
- Jean Pierre Brol (Guatemala): World No.4.
- Mauro De Filippis (Italy): World No.1.
- William Hinton (USA): World No.2.
- Walton Eller (USA): World No.3.
- Giovanni Pellielo (Italy): World No.5.
India's Medal Prospects
With seasoned shooters leading emerging talent, India aims for a strong showing in both men's and women's trap events. Neeru Dhanda and Zoravar Singh Sandhu are key medal hopes, supported by consistent performers Aashima Ahlawat, Kirti Gupta, Vivaan Kapoor, and Bhowneesh Mendiratta. Their combined experience and skill set position India as a formidable contender on the world stage.
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