History Reloaded! Zoravar Singh Sandhu Clinches India’s First Trap Medal In 19 Years

Last Updated:October 17, 2025, 23:38 IST

Zoravar Singh Sandhu won bronze at the ISSF World Championship in Cairo, India's first individual trap medal since 2006.

Indian trap shooter Zoravar Singh Sandhu (X)

Veteran Indian trap shooter Zoravar Singh Sandhu finally reaped the rewards of nearly three decades of hard work, clinching his maiden ISSF World Championship (Shotgun) bronze medal in Cairo on Friday.

The medal marks India’s first individual world championship podium in trap since Manavjit Singh Sandhu’s 2006 gold in Zagreb.

The 48-year-old, who honed his craft at Delhi’s Dr. Karni Singh Ranges, shot 31 in the six-man final to claim third place.

Croatia’s former Olympic champion Josip Glasnovic (44) took the gold, while Andres Garcia of Spain (39) bagged the silver.

Zoravar displayed remarkable composure under tricky conditions, nailing 31 of his first 40 targets in fading light and rain.

“It was a great experience — tough range, tough conditions, but that’s how it is. I thank my family, coaches, and teammates for their support," he said after his career-defining performance.

National Rifle Association of India president Kalikesh Singh Deo hailed the moment as “historic," praising Zoravar’s “commitment and dedication".

“It is a historic moment for Indian shooting with Zoravar helping us win only a second individual world championship medal in trap. It shows the level of confidence of our shooting squad that with every international outing, new barriers are being breached," said Deo.

“Full marks to Zoravar for his commitment and dedication, and also to (foreign coach) Peter Wilson."

In women’s trap, India’s Aashima Ahlawat finished 40th in a 73-shooter field with 109, while Neeru (109) was 43rd and Kirti Gupta (101) was 62nd. The team aggregated 319 to finish eighth.

Spain took the gold with a score of 355.

The mixed trap team event begins Saturday, with Zoravar pairing with Aashima Ahlawat for another shot at glory.

(with PTI inputs)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

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News sports History Reloaded! Zoravar Singh Sandhu Clinches India’s First Trap Medal In 19 Years

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