India Secures Bronze in ISSF Trap Mixed Team Event

India's Achievement at ISSF World Cup

Neeru Dhanda and Vivaan Kapoor clinched a bronze medal in the trap mixed team event on Sunday, marking a successful conclusion for India at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup held in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The duo scored 24 out of their first 30 targets in the final. Although they matched the performance of the top Italian team, Silvana Stanco and Mauro De Filippis, they had to settle for bronze after finishing second to the Italians in the qualification round.

Details of the Competition

The gold medal was secured by Kun-Pi Yang and Wan-Yu Liu from Chinese Taipei, who set a new world record with a score of 36 in the final. Neeru and Vivaan achieved a qualification score of 143, just two points behind the Italian pair, which includes Paris Olympic silver medalist Silvana and former world champion Mauro. Both shooters excelled in the third round, scoring perfect 25s to secure their place in the finals, with Vivaan missing only two of his 75 targets.

In the same competition, teammates Ahvar Rizvi and Pragati Dubey finished 23rd with a score of 130 among 31 teams.

Final Match Highlights

During the final, Kun and Wan started strong, leading with a perfect score after the first 10 targets. Neeru missed her third target, placing India in second, while Vivaan maintained his form by hitting all five of his targets. The battle for third place was between Italy and China, both of whom had five hits out of their first 10.

Italy narrowly won that contest after 20 targets, while Chinese Taipei increased their lead over India as Neeru missed two additional targets. The Italians showcased their skill in the third series, hitting all their targets, while Vivaan missed his first shot in the final. Ultimately, both teams finished with the same score, but Italy's qualification performance secured them the silver medal.

This bronze medal marks a significant achievement for Neeru and Vivaan, being their first medal at the ISSF World Cup in this Olympic event and India's second since it was introduced as an Olympic discipline last year.