How recreating Asian Games archery venue in Sonepat helped India win mixed team gold

Kynan Chenai, a 35-year-old shooter from Hyderabad, clinched India's first gold medal in trap shooting at the Asian Games 2026. Partnering with teammate Neeru Dhanda, the duo achieved a perfect score of 34 points in the final to clinch the top position, beating out teams from Qatar and China.

Born and raised in Hyderabad, Chenai developed an interest in shooting at the age of ten. His father, Darius Chenai, a two-time national champion, introduced him to the sport. Chenai's passion for shooting eventually evolved into a professional career that has spanned over two decades. He has participated in numerous international competitions, including the 2016 Rio Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.

Notably, Chenai won both a gold and a bronze medal at the Asian Games prior to the 2026 edition, solidifying his reputation as one of India's seasoned trap shooters. Speaking ahead of the Asian Games, Chenai shared insights into the challenges of the sport. He highlighted the need for quick reactions as targets travel at speeds of around 100 kmph, with only a split second to break them.

Additionally, environmental factors such as weather, wind, rain, sunlight, and the backdrop of the shooting range can impact the competition. Chenai's training regimen involves a rigorous schedule, dedicating three to four hours on the range and an additional two hours in the gym, emphasizing the importance of strength and conditioning to manage the recoil of the shotgun.