Why Did India's Skeet Shooters Miss Finals at the Lonato World Cup?
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Synopsis
India's skeet shooters faced a tough challenge at the ISSF World Cup in Lonato, Italy, falling short of a finals spot. Despite strong performances, they couldn't break into the top six. Discover how each athlete fared and what this means for their future in shooting sports.
Key Takeaways
- Indian skeet shooters fell short of finals qualification at the ISSF World Cup.
- Mairaj Ahmad Khan was the top performer, finishing 30th in men's skeet.
- The team showed potential but struggled on the final day.
- The Trap events are scheduled to begin soon.
- Continuous support for our athletes is essential for their growth.
New Delhi, July 8 (NationPress) The Indian skeet shooting team has unfortunately not secured a spot in the top-six final at the ongoing International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Shotgun taking place in Lonato, Italy.
Senior marksman and Olympian Mairaj Ahmad Khan (24, 25, 24, 25, 23) emerged as the highest-ranked among the trio of Indian competitors in both men’s and women’s skeet events after two days (100 targets) of qualification. He concluded with a score of 23 in his fifth and final round, finishing 30th out of a robust field of 176 men in skeet, amassing a total of 121.
Other participants included Bhavtegh Gill (23, 25, 25, 25, 21), who shot a 21 on Tuesday morning and ended with a total of 119, while Ganemat Sekhon (23, 25, 24, 24, 20) in the women’s skeet category shot a 20, finishing with a total of 116. They placed 75th and 30th respectively.
In the women’s skeet, Olympians Maheshwari Chauhan (24, 22, 22, 25, 23) and Raiza Dhillon (22, 23, 24, 24, 22) concluded with scores of 116 and 115 respectively, securing 27th and 33rd positions.
Another Olympian, Anant Jeet Singh Naruka (24, 24, 24, 23, 24), made a comeback in men’s skeet by scoring a 24 in his final attempt, finishing with a total of 119, placing him 67th.
The Trap events are set to commence next, with qualifying starting on Friday (July 11).
Earlier in the week, Bhavtegh Singh Gill achieved two perfect rounds of 25, positioning himself alongside senior pro Mairaj Ahmad Khan in finals contention, both achieving identical scores of 98 after four qualifying rounds in the men’s skeet.
Ganemat Sekhon also remained a strong contender in the women’s skeet, scoring 24 in each round for a total of 96, placing her provisionally in eighth.
Ganemat began her qualifying rounds at the Trap Concaverde on Monday in 10th position overnight. However, she missed one target each in the two rounds scheduled, moving to eighth by the end of day two.
Despite their initial strong performances, the final day did not yield any improvements in their standings.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the dedication of India's skeet shooters despite their recent setbacks in the ISSF World Cup. Their hard work and perseverance reflect the spirit of our nation. While they may not have reached the finals this time, their journey continues, and we remain committed to supporting them in their future endeavors.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the performance of Mairaj Ahmad Khan?
Mairaj Ahmad Khan scored a total of 121, finishing 30th in the men's skeet event.
How did Bhavtegh Gill perform?
Bhavtegh Gill finished with a total score of 119, placing 75th overall.
Are there any upcoming events for the shooters?
Yes, the Trap events will commence on July 11, marking the next phase of competition.
What challenges did the team face?
The team struggled to improve their standings on the final day, despite strong initial performances.
Who are the other notable competitors?
Other competitors include Ganemat Sekhon, Maheshwari Chauhan, and Raiza Dhillon, who also faced challenges in their events.
