Yugan Sakthivel Muthukumaar, 15, wins gold for India at ISSF Junior World Cup

Starting from the sixth position in the final, Yugan maintained consistent rhythm throughout the elimination stages.  | Photo Credit: Special arrangement

India’s Yugan Sakthivel Muthukumaar won the gold medal in the Trap Men Junior event at the ISSF Junior World Cup Shotgun on Friday.

The 15-year-old marksman hit 27 targets in a closely contested final to edge out Italy’s Francesco Tanfoglio by one hit. Tanfoglio claimed silver with 26 hits, while fellow Italian Simone Roncen secured bronze with 21.

Earlier, Yugan showed remarkable composure to advance to the medal round. He shot a qualification score of 114 across five rounds (22, 22, 24, 23, 23) to finish tied for sixth. In the subsequent shoot-off for the final qualification spot, the Indian held his nerve to defeat Spain’s Eduard Salichs 2-1.

Starting from sixth place in the final, Yugan maintained a consistent rhythm through the elimination stages. He produced decisive hits in the closing sequences to finish ahead of a competitive field and secure India’s first medal of the competition.

Spain’s Jose Barrero finished fourth with 15 hits, while Italy’s Andrea Diana, who topped the qualification stage with a score of 120, finished fifth with 11 targets.