In a remarkable feat, Indian shooter Ganemat Sekhon set a national record at the ISSF World Cup Shotgun Lonato 2023. Despite her outstanding performance, she narrowly missed qualifying for the final in the Women's Skeet event.
During the qualifying round, Sekhon displayed exceptional skill by shooting a perfect round of 25. However, her overall score of 120 wasn't enough to secure a spot in the final. It was American shooter Dania Jo Vizzi who clinched the sixth and final qualifying position with an impressive score of 121.
In the gripping final, it was an intense battle between Samantha Simonton and Dania Jo Vizzi. Ultimately, Dania emerged as the victor, securing the gold medal with a score of 54-50. China's Jiang Yiting secured the bronze medal, showcasing the impressive talent on display at the competition.
Moving to the Men's Skeet event, Anantjeet Singh Naruka represented India with distinction, finishing as the top Indian shooter. Naruka showcased his skill by achieving a qualifying score of 119, positioning himself at 48th place in a highly competitive field of 158 participants.
The Men's Skeet final witnessed exceptional performances from top shooters. Jesper Hensen, the silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, topped the field with a perfect score of 125. Reigning World Champion Azmy Mehelba from Egypt and three-time Olympic Champion Vincent Hancock also reserved spots in the final with amazing scores of 123.
Among other Indian participants, Gurjoat Khangura finished in the 69th position, while Mairaj Ahmad Khan concluded his performance in the 96th position. Both athletes displayed their dedication and commitment to the sport.
Ganemat Sekhon's outstanding achievement in setting a national record serves as an inspiration for women in shooting sports. Her performance, coupled with the exceptional talent showcased by Indian shooters in the Men's Skeet event, highlights the country's growing prowess in the sport.
The ISSF World Cup Shotgun Lonato 2023 not only showcased the skills of these talented athletes but also demonstrated fierce competition and camaraderie among participants from around the world. With each event, these shooters continue to push boundaries and make their mark on the international stage.
