India’s shooting fraternity has been left surprised after Asia No. 1 trap shooter Zoravar Singh Sandhu was left out of the country’s proposed squad for the 2026 Asian Games.
The veteran shooter, currently ranked world No. 6 in men’s trap, failed to make the final Indian shotgun contingent despite consistently delivering strong performances on the international circuit over the past year.
Zoravar’s exclusion has triggered widespread discussion in Indian shooting circles, especially considering his recent form and experience on the global stage.
Domestic Trials Cost Zoravar a Place
According to officials, the decision was based on performances during the National Championships and domestic selection trials, where Zoravar struggled to replicate his international form.
The 47-year-old had been competing extensively in international events leading up to the World Championships and World Cup Finals, which reportedly affected his domestic performances.
Despite being ranked among the world’s top trap shooters only weeks ago, those underwhelming scores ultimately proved costly in the final selection process.
The proposed Indian men’s trap squad for the Asian Games now includes Kynan Chenai, Ahvar Rizvi, and Shapath Bhardwaj.
Zoravar Requests Review of Decision
Following the announcement, Zoravar urged the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) to reconsider the decision, highlighting that he had recorded the best international scores among Indian trap shooters in recent months.
The experienced shooter recently participated as a “zero shooter” at the ISSF World Cup in Almaty and still posted the highest score among Indian competitors with 119.
A zero shooter participates for scoring and selection evaluation purposes but is not eligible to compete for medals.
Zoravar also reminded selectors of his historic bronze medal at the 2025 World Championships in Athens, where he became only the third Indian trap shooter to win a medal at the prestigious event.
NRAI Defends Selection Policy
The NRAI, however, has stood firmly behind its selection criteria.
NRAI secretary-general Pawankumar Singh stated that the federation intends to strictly follow the policy that had been announced more than a year ago.
Officials argued that changing the squad based on rankings or reputation after the trials would undermine the transparency of the selection process.
The federation also indicated that the announced shotgun squad is “99 per cent final” for the Asian Games scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya later this year.
Debate Over Merit vs Selection Rules Intensifies
Zoravar’s omission has once again reignited debate around India’s selection system in shooting — particularly the balance between current international rankings and domestic trial performances.
Many within the sport believe the exclusion of India’s highest-ranked trap shooter could impact medal prospects at the continental event. Others, however, argue that maintaining a strict and transparent selection policy is equally important for fairness and long-term development.
The controversy now adds another layer of pressure ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive Asian Games campaign for Indian shooting.
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