Shooting Stars Shine in Cyprus: Kynan and Sabeera’s Last-Target Triumph Bags India a World Cup Medal

Olympian Kynan Chenai and young sensation Sabeera Haris put in a stellar performance to take home bronze in the trap mixed team event at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup 2025 in Nicosia, Cyprus. This is India's first medal in shotgun in this year's ISSF World Cups and its sole podium achievement at the Nicosia venue.

The Indian duo clinched the medal after a nail-biting 34-33 victory over Turkey’s Tolga Tuncer and Pelin Kaya in the bronze-medal match, held at the Cyprus Olympic Shooting Range. The contest went down to the wire, with Chenai’s experience proving decisive-he hit 23 out of 25 targets in the final, including a flawless 10-hit finish that secured the win after the pair trailed 21-20 at one stage. Haris, who is only 18 and is making her presence felt on the senior circuit, scored 11 key hits in the final.

Previously, Chenai and Haris were fourth among 34 teams in the qualifying round with a combined total of 142 out of 75 shots each-Haris scored 72, Chenai scored 70. Shardul Vihan and Kirti Gupta, the other Indian pair, ended 17th with a score of 137.

China won gold after defeating Poland 42-39 in the final, with Poland claiming silver. The competition involved 350 shooters from 54 National Olympic Committees, so the competition was tough and the Indian medal a welcome achievement.

With this victory, Kynan Chenai and Sabeera Haris not only returned with a much-needed medal but also gave a good start to India's shotgun team for future international competitions.

Sources:
Yes Punjab, Olympics.com, Times of India