The final stage of the 2025 ISSF Shotgun World Cup is all set to begin at the legendary Trap Concaverde shooting range in Lonato, Italy, and it will be the Indian skeet shooting squad that will open India’s campaign on Sunday, July 6.
A total of six Indian shooters three men and three women will take aim in the men’s and women’s skeet competitions, marking the start of what promises to be a thrilling final leg of this year’s shotgun season.
A Crucial Final Stage
This fourth and final stage of the 2025 Shotgun World Cup circuit holds particular significance, as it serves as one of the last top-tier competitions before attention shifts to the upcoming ISSF World Championships and the final round of Olympic qualification events. With stakes high and the field fiercely competitive, the Indian contingent will need to be at its sharpest.
Indian Squad Ready to Fire
The Indian skeet squad has arrived in Lonato well ahead of schedule and has already begun training on-site. The team comprises a mix of Olympic experience, emerging talent, and current world-ranked shooters, making them a well-rounded unit heading into the three-day event.
In men’s skeet, India will be represented by:
- Mairaj Ahmad Khan : Two-time Olympian and veteran of multiple World Cup campaigns, Mairaj will be looking to rediscover his form at one of his most favoured venues.
- Anant Jeet Singh Naruka : One of India’s brightest current hopes, Naruka’s consistent performances in recent ISSF events have made him a strong contender for the finals.
- Bhavtegh Gill : A rising star in Indian shotgun shooting, Gill adds depth to this squad and has the temperament to deliver under pressure.
In women’s skeet, India fields a formidable trio:
- Maheshwari Chauhan : With a string of solid World Cup showings in the past two seasons, Maheshwari is India’s top-ranked skeet woman and will be keen to convert promise into podiums.
- Raiza Dhillon : Another Olympian, Dhillon’s experience and composure could prove crucial in a tough international field.
- Ganemat Sekhon : A regular fixture in the Indian team over the past few years, Sekhon brings experience and determination.
Format and Schedule
The qualifying rounds for both men’s and women’s skeet begin on Sunday, with the shooters aiming at their first 50 targets. This is followed by another 50 targets on Monday. The final 25 qualifying targets will be shot on Tuesday, July 8, before the top six athletes in each category proceed to the finals later the same day.
Global Competition: A Battle of Elites
The Indian shooters will be up against an elite international field, with some of the sport’s most decorated names in attendance. The men’s skeet draw includes:
- Vincent Hancock (USA) – Three-time Olympic gold medallist and arguably the greatest skeet shooter of all time.
- Gabriele Rossetti (Italy) – 2016 Olympic Champion and part of a strong Italian squad shooting at home.
- Abdullah Al-Rashidi (Kuwait) – Bronze medallist at Tokyo 2020 and a consistent World Cup performer.
- Nasser Al-Attiya (Qatar) – A world-class shooter and former Dakar Rally champion, bringing a unique flavour to the field.
- Azmy Mehelba (Egypt), Jesper Hansen (Denmark), and Lee Meng-Yuan (Chinese Taipei) – all top contenders with international pedigree.
In women’s skeet, the competition is just as fierce, headlined by:
- Kimberly Rhode (USA) – A true legend with six Olympic medals across six consecutive Games; her presence lifts the stature of any event.
- Vanesa Hockova (Slovakia) – Currently ranked World No. 3 and narrowly missed a medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
With such an elite field, the challenge for the Indian shooters will be to reach the finals, which in itself would be a major achievement given the strength of the competition.
Trap Team to Join Soon
While the skeet shooters begin their campaign this weekend, the Indian trap shooting team, comprising another six athletes, is expected to land in Lonato later on Saturday. Their events begin after the skeet competition concludes.
Stepping into a Legacy Venue
Trap Concaverde in Lonato is one of the most prestigious shotgun ranges in the world. It has hosted several World Cups, World Championships, and European Championships over the years. The venue is known for its challenging conditions, shifting wind directions, and passionate local spectators—factors that test even the most seasoned shooters.
Follow the Action
Indian fans eager to follow their shooting stars can catch real-time updates and results through the @officialnrai handles on X (Twitter) and Instagram. With the Olympic cycle heating up, performances here could offer early clues about India’s prospects in Paris and beyond.
Final Thoughts
With a seasoned team, strong global competition, and Olympic dreams on the horizon, the 2025 Lonato Shotgun World Cup promises high-octane action. Indian skeet shooters will be aiming not just for medals, but for form, confidence, and global recognition. Whether it’s the fire of youth or the calm of experience, this squad has the ingredients to surprise—and maybe, inspire.
Let the guns blaze, and may India hit the bullseye! 🎯🇮🇳
#ISSFWorldCup #Lonato2025 #IndianShooting #SkeetShooting #RoadToParis #TeamIndia
