Shapath Bharadwaj Leads Indian Charge with Strong Opening at ISSF World Cup Shotgun in Almaty

India’s Shapath Bharadwaj delivered a composed and high-quality performance to emerge as the best-placed Indian shooter at the end of Day 1 in the men’s trap event at the ISSF World Cup Shotgun in Almaty, Kazakhstan. 

Competing at the Asanov Shooting Club, Bharadwaj registered a total of 71 hits out of 75 targets, placing himself firmly in contention heading into the final day of qualification. In a discipline where consistency across rounds defines progression, Bharadwaj’s performance stood out for its strong start and controlled execution. Opening with two perfect rounds of 25 each, he set the early benchmark among the Indian contingent and briefly positioned himself among the top shooters in the field.

Bharadwaj’s first two series reflected near-flawless shooting. His ability to read targets early and maintain rhythm allowed him to navigate the opening 50 shots without a miss. In trap shooting, where each round demands both technical precision and mental composure, such a start often provides a crucial advantage. However, the third series proved more challenging. Bharadwaj managed 21 hits, a drop that slightly impacted his standing despite the strong foundation laid earlier. The dip highlights the demanding nature of trap shooting at the highest level, where even a minor lapse can influence leaderboard positions significantly.

Despite this, his total of 71 keeps him within striking distance of qualification spots, with 50 targets still to be shot on Day 2.

Vivaan Kapoor also produced moments of brilliance during the day. After a relatively modest opening round of 22, Kapoor responded strongly with a perfect 25 in his second series. He followed it up with a 23 in the third, finishing the day with a total of 70. Kapoor’s performance mirrored the broader pattern seen across the Indian squad — flashes of high-level shooting interspersed with minor inconsistencies. His ability to recover after a slower start remains a positive takeaway, particularly as the competition moves into its decisive phase.

Ahvar Rizvi, the third Indian in the main draw, registered scores of 23, 22, and 23 to finish with 68. While not among the top contenders at this stage, Rizvi’s performance was steady and reflective of controlled shooting across all three series. Among those competing for ranking points, Udaivir Singh Jaijee matched Bharadwaj’s tally of 71, underlining the depth within the Indian setup. Ali Aman Elahi, meanwhile, recorded a score of 66.

In the women’s trap event, Manisha Keer emerged as the best-performing Indian shooter on Day 1. She registered a total of 69 after shooting consecutive rounds of 24 before closing with 21 in her third series. Keer’s performance places her in 17th position at the end of the day a competitive but challenging spot, given the tight margins in women’s trap shooting. Her strong opening rounds indicate potential, but like Bharadwaj, she will need to improve her consistency in the remaining 50 targets to move into contention for the finals.

National champion Neeru Dhanda finished just behind her with a total of 68 (23, 23, 22), placing her in 21st position. Dhanda’s performance was marked by steady scoring across all three rounds, though she lacked the high-scoring series required to break into the top bracket. Pragati Dubey had a mixed outing, finishing with 65 after rounds of 18, 23, and 24. Her slow start proved costly, despite a strong recovery in the latter two series.

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Among shooters competing for ranking points, Varsha Varman recorded a score of 61, while Vidhi Singh finished with 62.

With 50 targets remaining in the qualification stage, the competition remains wide open. In ISSF trap events, Day 2 often proves decisive, as shooters look to build on their initial scores while maintaining composure under increasing pressure. For Bharadwaj, the key will be rediscovering the rhythm that defined his opening two series. A return to high-20s scoring across the remaining rounds could see him push into the top eight and secure a place in the final.

Similarly, Kapoor and Jaijee remain within reach of contention, provided they can deliver consistent high scores on Day 2.

In the women’s event, Keer and Dhanda will need near-perfect rounds to close the gap with the leading pack. The margins are narrow, but the scoring demands are unforgiving. The opening day in Almaty has once again highlighted the fine margins that define elite trap shooting. Perfect rounds can elevate a shooter into contention, but even a single series below par can alter the trajectory of a campaign.

For the Indian contingent, the performances on Day 1 offer a mix of promise and challenge. There have been moments of excellence particularly Bharadwaj’s perfect opening but the task now lies in sustaining that level across the full qualification cycle. As the competition heads into its final phase, the focus will shift from building a base to executing under pressure. With finals spots on the line, every target will carry weight.

For Shapath Bharadwaj and the Indian shooters, Day 2 presents not just an opportunity, but a test of consistency, control, and the ability to deliver when it matters most.