Indian trap shooter Kynan Chenai, an Olympian and Asian Games medallist, is gearing up for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. Speaking exclusively with The Free Press Journal, the 35-year-old Hyderabad shooter discusses his journey, the demands of trap shooting, dealing with pressure, the importance of physical and mental preparation, and his approach to representing India on the international stage.

Indian trap shooter Kynan Chenai has spent more than two decades pursuing excellence in a sport where fractions of a second can make the difference. Introduced to shooting at the age of 10 by his father and two-time national champion Darius Chenai, the Hyderabad-born shooter went on to represent India at the 2016 Rio Olympics and win gold and bronze at the Asian Games.

Now 35 and preparing for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, Chenai, speaking exclusively with The Free Press Journal, opens up about his evolution as an athlete, the demands of trap shooting, handling pressure and why experience has taught him to remain firmly in the present.

Excerpts...

1. Can you tell us a little about your background and how shooting became a part of your life?