Kynan and Aashima Just Miss Finals at World Cup Shotgun in Morocco
Synopsis
In a nail-biting finish, Indian shooters Kynan Chenai and Aashima Ahlawat narrowly missed the finals in Tangier, Morocco, at the ISSF World Cup Shotgun. Their one-point deficit leaves them eager for redemption in the upcoming mixed team event.
Key Takeaways
Kynan Chenai scored 119 and finished 13th.
Aashima Ahlawat scored 111 and finished 14th.
Both shooters missed the finals by one point.
India will compete in the Trap Mixed Team Event next.
Competition is fierce at the ISSF World Cup in Morocco.
New Delhi, April 1 (NationPress) Indian trap shooters Kynan Chenai and Aashima Ahlawat put forth a commendable effort but fell short of advancing to the finals of the men's and women's trap events by a narrow margin of just one point. This occurred at the inaugural leg of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Shotgun, taking place in the picturesque Moroccan city of Tangier.
Kynan recorded a score of 119 (24, 24, 24, 24, 23), while Aashima achieved 111 (22, 22, 21, 22, 24), ultimately finishing in 13th and 14th place, respectively.
The leading qualifier in the men's category was reigning Olympic champion Nathan Hales from Great Britain, who topped the 83-man field with a total of 123 over two days and five rounds. In the women's trap qualifiers, Jessica Rossi from Italy led with a score of 121.
From the host nation, Driss Haffari secured the eighth and final qualification spot in the men's trap with a score of 120, while Turkish shooter Rumeysa Pelin Kaya claimed the last spot in the women's trap with a total of 112.
Among other Indian competitors in the men's trap, Bhowneesh Mendiratta scored (23, 24, 25, 20, 23) but slipped from his overnight sixth position to finish 39th. Olympian Prithviraj Tondaiman finished further down the rankings in 57th place with a score of 111 (24, 21, 20, 23, 23).
Kirti Gupta performed best among female shooters, placing 32nd with a score of 107 (20, 22, 23, 21, 21). Rajeshwari Kumari followed closely with a score of 106 (24, 21, 20, 21, 20), finishing 37th out of 59 participants.
The Indian contingent, competing for ranking points only, saw Md. Asad Sultan score 108 (22, 22, 22, 20, 22) and Sharan Susheel Gyanchand achieve 104 (21, 20, 21, 21, 21) in the men's trap event. In the women's category, Shreshtha Sisodia scored 104 (19, 21, 23, 20, 21) and Preeti Rajak finished with 103 (20, 20, 22, 18, 23).
Unfortunately, the Indian team did not excel in the men's and women's skeet competitions either.
The final day on Thursday features the Trap Mixed Team Event, with India still hopeful for a medal in this World Cup leg. The Indian teams are anticipated to perform well in this mixed event.
Point of View
The performances of Kynan Chenai and Aashima Ahlawat reflect both the challenges and potential of Indian trap shooting. Their near-miss serves as a reminder of the fierce competition in the sport, and the upcoming mixed team event offers a fresh opportunity for medal contention.
NationPress
31 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Kynan Chenai's scores in the competition?
Kynan Chenai scored 119, with rounds of 24, 24, 24, 24, and 23.
How did Aashima Ahlawat perform in the event?
Aashima Ahlawat achieved a score of 111, with rounds of 22, 22, 21, 22, and 24.
Who topped the men's and women's trap qualifiers?
Nathan Hales from Great Britain topped the men's qualifiers with 123, while Jessica Rossi from Italy led the women's qualifiers with 121.
What is the significance of the Trap Mixed Team Event?
The Trap Mixed Team Event offers a chance for the Indian team to compete collectively for a medal, showcasing their skills in a team format.
Where is the ISSF World Cup Shotgun taking place?
The ISSF World Cup Shotgun is currently taking place in Tangier, Morocco.
