ISSF World Cup Almaty: Vivaan Kapoor and Neeru Dhanda Secure Mixed Trap Bronze
India’s shooting contingent added another medal to its growing international tally as Vivaan Kapoor and Neeru Dhanda clinched bronze in the mixed trap team event at the ISSF World Cup Almaty, Kazakhstan.
The Indian duo delivered a composed performance under pressure, finishing on the podium after a closely contested final. The pair scored 24 out of 30 in the bronze medal match, edging past Italy in a tie-break scenario that ultimately went in India’s favour based on superior qualification scores. It was a result that highlighted both consistency and composure two attributes that have increasingly defined Indian shooting performances on the global stage.
The foundation of this medal was laid in qualification, where Vivaan and Neeru combined to shoot an impressive 143 out of 150. That effort saw them finish second among 31 competing teams, securing a place in the finals and putting them firmly in medal contention. Qualification rounds in shotgun events often determine the trajectory of the competition, and India’s strong showing ensured they entered the final stages with confidence. Their ability to maintain a high hit percentage across rounds reflected both technical precision and mental focus key requirements in trap shooting, where margins are extremely narrow.
In the final, the Indian duo faced stiff competition from some of the top teams in the world. The gold medal was eventually won by Chinese Taipei’s Yang Kun Pi and Liu Wan Yu, while Italy’s Mauro De Filippis and Maria Silvana Stanco secured silver. The battle for bronze, however, remained tightly contested, with India and Italy finishing level on points after the regulation series.
At that stage, the outcome hinged on qualification scores a rule that rewards consistency across the competition. Having finished higher in qualification, Vivaan and Neeru were awarded the bronze, underlining the importance of their earlier performance.
The final itself was a test of nerve. With 30 targets in play, every miss carried significant weight. Vivaan and Neeru managed to stay composed, matching their opponents shot for shot through crucial phases. Their tally of 24 hits reflected a solid performance in high-pressure conditions, even as the margins between teams remained minimal.
For Neeru Dhanda, the medal adds to an encouraging run of performances at the international level. Having already shown her ability to reach finals in previous competitions, this podium finish reinforces her growing stature in trap shooting. Her consistency across both qualification and final rounds was a key factor in India’s success. Vivaan Kapoor, meanwhile, continues to establish himself as a reliable performer in team events. His ability to complement Neeru’s rhythm and maintain stability across rounds contributed significantly to the team’s overall performance. In mixed team events, synchronisation between shooters is critical, and the Indian pair demonstrated that effectively.
The result also reflects the broader progress of Indian shotgun shooting. Traditionally, India’s strengths have been more pronounced in rifle and pistol events, but recent years have seen steady improvements in shotgun disciplines. Performances like this indicate increasing depth and competitiveness in trap shooting. From a technical standpoint, the Indian duo’s performance stood out for its consistency. In trap shooting, maintaining focus over multiple rounds is as important as technical execution. The ability to recover quickly from a missed target and stay locked into the rhythm of the competition often determines outcomes. Vivaan and Neeru managed that balance well throughout the event.
The significance of the medal extends beyond the immediate result. With major international competitions on the horizon, including continental championships and Olympic qualification pathways, performances like these provide both confidence and ranking points. They also serve as indicators of readiness against top-level opposition. India’s shooting ecosystem has increasingly emphasised exposure to international competition, structured training programs, and mental conditioning. The results in Almaty suggest that these efforts are yielding returns, particularly in events that demand both technical skill and psychological resilience.
Looking ahead, the focus for the Indian duo will be on sustaining this level of performance. While a podium finish is a positive outcome, consistency across competitions will be key to establishing themselves as regular medal contenders. For now, the bronze medal in Almaty stands as a testament to their preparation and execution. In a field featuring some of the best shooters in the world, Vivaan Kapoor and Neeru Dhanda delivered when it mattered, adding another chapter to India’s growing success in international shooting.
The result not only highlights individual excellence but also reinforces the upward trajectory of Indian shooting on the global stage—where consistency, composure, and precision continue to define success.
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