Are Indian Skeet Shooters Ready for the World Cup in Cyprus?
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Synopsis
As the Indian skeet shooting team embarks on their journey to Cyprus for the ISSF World Cup, all eyes are on their young athletes aiming to make a mark in international competitions. With seasoned Olympians leading the charge, will they secure a podium finish amidst tough global competition?
Key Takeaways
- Indian Skeet Team arrives in Cyprus for ISSF World Cup.
- 12-member squad includes experienced Olympians and young talent.
- Competition begins on May 3 in Nicosia.
- Over 350 athletes from 54 NOCs will compete.
- India's hopes rest on both seasoned and debutant shooters.
New Delhi, May 2 (NationPress) The Indian skeet shooting team has arrived in Cyprus for the third stage of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Shotgun event, scheduled to kick off in Nicosia this Saturday, May 3. The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) selected a 12-member squad for the Nicosia event back in February, encompassing both Skeet and Trap disciplines.
The Skeet competitions are set to take place over three days, starting on Monday, May 5, 2025, with two Olympians, Mairaj Ahmad Khan in the men's skeet and Maheshwari Chauhan in the women's skeet, leading a relatively young and less experienced team at this prestigious international competition.
More than 350 athletes representing approximately 54 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) will participate, including many renowned figures in the realm of shotgun shooting.
The qualifying rounds for the Skeet events will commence on Monday, featuring two rounds of 25 clay targets each, which will be repeated on Tuesday, followed by the fifth and final round, culminating in the finals on Wednesday.
India's aspirations in men's skeet will largely depend on Abhay Singh Sekhon, who is making his senior World Cup debut, alongside Rituraj Singh Bundela, who has participated in four World Cups over the past two years, in addition to Mairaj. On the women's side, Maheshwari is also aiming for her first senior World Cup medal, alongside Parinaaz Dhaliwal, who has competed in four World Cups. Additionally, 18-year-old Yashasvi Rathore will be making her debut.
Former and current World and Olympic champions will also be vying for international accolades, with strong contingents from powerhouses like Italy and the USA.
In another event in Delhi last Thursday, the men's 50m rifle 3 positions (3P) final saw Akhil Sheoran of the Railways, a reigning world championship bronze medalist, clinch victory with a score of 462.5. Adriyan Karmakar from West Bengal secured the junior men's 3P title.
Riya Shirish Thatte from Maharashtra was another standout on the first day of finals, finishing second behind Divya with 28 hits in the senior final, while also taking fourth place in the junior final.
Similar to Riya in Bhopal, Rohit Kanyan of Haryana stole the spotlight in Delhi, earning silver in the men's 3P and reaching the junior final where he finished sixth.
Swapnil Kusale, a bronze medalist from the Paris Olympics, experienced a mixed day; he secured gold for Railways in the men's 3P team event while equaling his own Championship qualification record of 589 to lead the qualifications, only to finish fifth in the men's 3P final.
Point of View
I firmly believe in supporting our athletes as they compete on the global stage. The Indian skeet shooting team showcases both experience and youthful energy, promising an exciting display of skill and determination in Cyprus. We stand behind them in their quest for excellence.
NationPress
18/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ISSF World Cup?
The ISSF World Cup is a prestigious annual shooting competition organized by the International Shooting Sport Federation, featuring top shooters from around the world.
When does the competition start in Cyprus?
The competition is set to begin on May 3, 2025, in Nicosia, Cyprus.
How many Indian shooters are participating?
A total of 12 shooters from India are participating in the World Cup, competing in both Skeet and Trap disciplines.
Who are the leading Indian shooters in Skeet?
The leading Indian shooters in Skeet are Olympians Mairaj Ahmad Khan and Maheshwari Chauhan, along with promising newcomers.
What are the expectations for India in this competition?
India aims to secure medals, leveraging the experience of seasoned shooters alongside the potential of young talents.
