The international shooting calendar gets underway with the ISSF World Cup Shotgun stage in Tangier, Morocco, marking the beginning of a crucial season for the world’s top shooters.
For India, a 12-member squad will take aim at an early statement performance as they compete against over 270 athletes from 43 nations between March 25 and April 3.
With five Olympic shotgun events on the schedule men’s and women’s skeet, men’s and women’s trap, and the trap mixed team event the competition provides an early benchmark in a year that builds towards major global competitions. The presence of reigning Olympic and world champions adds further weight to the field, making Tangier a true test of consistency, adaptability, and mental sharpness.
A fresh start after a long break
For the Indian shotgun squad, this World Cup marks a significant return to full-strength international competition. Their last major outing as a complete unit came at the World Championships in Athens, where Zoravar Singh Sandhu delivered a standout performance, clinching a historic bronze in men’s trap.
Since then, the focus has been on regrouping, rebuilding rhythm, and integrating a mix of experienced names and emerging talent. The early arrival in Morocco via Cairo was a deliberate decision aimed at acclimatisation and preparation under competition-like conditions.
The team has already undergone unofficial training sessions at the Tangier Shooting Club, allowing shooters to familiarise themselves with range conditions, lighting, and wind patterns factors that can significantly influence outcomes in shotgun events.
National coach Vikram Chopra emphasised the importance of this phase, stating, “We came early to acclimatize and also because the team is competing at this level after a long break. Training has been hard and positive, but nothing is better than world-class competition to test your sharpness early in an important year ahead.”
Skeet shooters set to lead the campaign
India’s campaign begins with the skeet events, where qualification rounds will test consistency over 125 targets before the finals determine medal positions.
In the men’s skeet, the experienced duo of Man Singh and Parampal Singh Guron return to the international fold. Man Singh, a former Asian champion, makes his comeback after a three-year absence, bringing valuable experience and composure. Parampal, meanwhile, returns after last representing India in 2022, looking to re-establish himself at the elite level.
Completing the trio is Jyotiraditya Singh Sisodiya, a promising young shooter making his senior debut. Having secured a junior bronze at the Asian Championships in Shymkent last year, Jyotiraditya represents the next generation of Indian shooting talent and will be keen to make an immediate impact.
On the women’s side, Olympian Maheshwari Chauhan leads an all-Rajasthan lineup alongside Darshna Rathore and Yashasvi Rathore. While Maheshwari brings international exposure and experience, the younger shooters add energy and ambition to the squad. The combination offers a balanced approach, with India aiming to challenge for finals appearances.
Win Exciting Prizes by Playing Sports Quiz – Download IndiaSportsHub App
India’s trap squad carries a strong blend of proven performers and consistent competitors. Among the women, Olympian Rajeshwari Kumari leads the charge, supported by Kirti Gupta and Aashima Ahlawat. Rajeshwari’s experience at the highest level makes her a key figure in India’s medal hopes.
In the men’s trap, Prithviraj Tondaiman and Kynan Chenai both Olympians headline the lineup. Their familiarity with high-pressure environments and major competitions adds depth to the squad. Joining them is Bhowneesh Mendiratta, who already has a World Cup silver to his name and continues to be one of India’s most reliable performers in the discipline.
The trap mixed team event, scheduled as the final event of the competition on April 2, will see India field two combinations: Prithviraj Tondaiman pairing with Kirti Gupta, and Kynan Chenai teaming up with Rajeshwari Kumari. With mixed team events often decided by fine margins, coordination and rhythm between partners will be crucial.
A season-defining opportunity
Beyond medals, the Tangier World Cup serves as a critical checkpoint in India’s preparation for the season ahead. With the Asian Games cycle and Olympic qualification pathways gradually taking shape, performances here will offer insights into form, combinations, and areas requiring refinement. For younger shooters, it is an opportunity to gain exposure against elite competition. For experienced athletes, it is a chance to reassert themselves and build momentum early in the season.
India’s recent trajectory in shooting has been defined by depth and consistency across disciplines. The shotgun squad, in particular, has shown the ability to produce strong results on the global stage. Tangier now presents the next test in that journey.
India Squad – ISSF World Cup Shotgun, Tangier 2026
Men’s Skeet: Man Singh, Parampal Singh Guron, Jyotiraditya Singh Sisodiya
Women’s Skeet: Maheshwari Chauhan, Darshna Rathore, Yashasvi Rathore
Men’s Trap: Prithviraj Tondaiman, Kynan Chenai, Bhowneesh Mendiratta
Women’s Trap: Rajeshwari Kumari, Kirti Gupta, Aashima Ahlawat
Trap Mixed Team Combinations:
Prithviraj Tondaiman / Kirti Gupta
Kynan Chenai / Rajeshwari Kumari
