Will Indian Skeet Shooters Shine at the Shotgun World Cup in Lonato?
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Synopsis
Catch the excitement as the Indian skeet shooting squad gears up for their first shot at the ISSF World Cup in Lonato! With Olympians and seasoned shooters in the lineup, can they clinch victory at this prestigious event? Don't miss out on the action!
Key Takeaways
- Indian skeet shooting squad participating in ISSF World Cup.
- Event hosted in Lonato, Italy.
- Both men’s and women’s teams are represented.
- Significant opportunity before the World Championships.
- 551 athletes from 73 nations in competition.
New Delhi, July 3 (NationPress) A six-member Indian men’s and women’s skeet shooting squad is set to take their first shot in the fourth and final ISSF World Cup Shotgun stage of the international season, hosted at the renowned Trap Concaverde in Lonato, Italy.
The Skeet team has already reached the picturesque town, while another six members of the Trap team are anticipated to arrive on July 05, 2025.
The qualifying rounds for both the men’s and women’s skeet categories will kick off on Sunday (July 6, 2025), with the finals scheduled for Tuesday (July 8, 2025).
India's aspirations rest on Olympians Mairaj Ahmad Khan, Angad Vir Singh Bajwa, and Anantjeet Singh Naruka in men’s skeet, while the women's squad boasts two Olympians, Maheshwari Chauhan and Raiza Dhillon, along with the skilled Ganemat Sekhon.
Leading the men’s trap challenge is former Asian Games silver medalist Lakshay Sheoran, supported by veteran Zoravar Singh Sandhu and emerging talent Jaswinder Singh. On the women’s side, Neeru, Preeti Rajak, and Pragati Dubey will represent India.
In the mixed team trap event, where India secured its only Shotgun World Cup medal this year in Nicosia, Lakshay & Neeru and Zoravar & Preeti are teamed up.
Already acclimatizing, the skeet team is undergoing unofficial training under coach Vikram Chopra, with official pre-event training set for Saturday.
“The squad is settling in well and training diligently,” Chopra commented from Lonato. “We even celebrated Anant’s birthday on Tuesday, which was fantastic for team bonding. This is the last World Cup stage before the World Championships in Athens, making it essential for everything to start aligning perfectly,” he concluded.
Lonato is known for drawing the largest assembly of shotgun shooters at the World Cup, and this year is no different, with 551 athletes from 73 nations participating.
Indian squad for the Lonato World Cup:
Skeet (Men): Mairaj Ahmed Khan, Angad Vir Singh Bajwa, and Anantjeet Singh Naruka
Skeet (Women): Maheshwari Chauhan, Raiza Dhillon, and Ganemat Sekhon
Trap (Men): Lakshay Sheoran, Zoravar Singh Sandhu, and Jaswinder Singh
Trap (Women): Neeru Dhanda, Preeti Rajak, and Pragati Dubey
Trap Mixed Team: Lakshay Sheoran & Neeru Dhanda, and Zoravar Singh Sandhu & Preeti Rajak
Point of View
It is vital to highlight India's growing prominence in the international shooting arena. The participation of seasoned Olympians in Lonato showcases the nation's commitment to excellence in sports. We stand by our athletes, wishing them success as they represent India on this global stage.
NationPress
03/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the ISSF World Cup Shotgun stage in Lonato take place?
The qualifying rounds start on July 6, 2025, and the finals are scheduled for July 8, 2025.
Who are the key Indian shooters participating in the Skeet event?
The men’s skeet team includes Olympians Mairaj Ahmad Khan, Angad Vir Singh Bajwa, and Anantjeet Singh Naruka. The women’s team features Maheshwari Chauhan, Raiza Dhillon, and Ganemat Sekhon.
How many athletes are participating in this year's World Cup?
This year, Lonato has attracted 551 athletes from 73 nations.
What is the significance of the Lonato World Cup for the Indian team?
This is the final World Cup stage before the World Championships in Athens, making it crucial for the shooters to perform well.
What mixed team pairings are representing India?
India's mixed team pairings are Lakshay Sheoran with Neeru Dhanda, and Zoravar Singh Sandhu with Preeti Rajak.
