Kynan Chenai, Bhowneesh Mendiratta, and Rajeshwari Kumari are currently leading the pack in their respective categories in the 4th National Selection Trials (Shotgun) being held at the M.P. State Shooting Academy range in Bhopal. Kynan and Bhowneesh have shot perfect scores of 50 each after two rounds of qualification, while Rajeshwari missed only two targets to lead the women’s category with a score of 48.
The contest’s men’s Trap field is highly competitive, with only two points separating the top eight shooters and three separating the leaders from 15th place. Manavjit Singh Sandhu, a former world champion, is one of two shooters trailing the leaders with a score of 49.
The seasoned Shagun Chowdhary is Rajeshwari’s closest competitor in the women’s competition, with a score of 47, while Neeru is in third place with 46 points. A group of five shooters is currently in fourth place, including Kirti Gupta, Pragati Dubey, and veteran Seema Tomar, among others, all with 45 points.
The Trap shooters will return on Saturday for two more rounds of qualification before the finals are held after the fifth and final qualification round on Sunday. The top six shooters from each category will qualify for the finals.
The 4th National Selection Trials (Shotgun) is a crucial tournament for India’s top shooters as it serves as a qualifier for the upcoming international events, including the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the World Cup, among others. Shooting as a sport has gained considerable prominence in India in recent years, with many talented athletes emerging from the country and achieving success at various international events.
