EXCLUSIVE | Kynan Chenai’s golden spell: How his father’s 30-year-old weapon helped him win Asian Games gold

NEW DELHI: When Kynan Chenai arrived at the Aichi prefectural General Shooting Gallery in Aichi-Nagoya for the 2026 Asian Games trap mixed team final, the gun in his hand was not his usual weapon.It was a 30 year old weapon on loan from his father Darius Chenai.Darius, a two-time national trap champion, used the same barrel to win both of his national titles. On Wednesday, his son used that to win the mixed team gold medal in trap with Neeru Dhanda.For Kynan, the medal was special. Tears rolled down his cheeks as the national anthem played. Winning the gold was made even more special because it came with a weapon that carries his father’s legacy of more than three decades.Little did Kynan know in the grand finale that his good luck charm would turn into a golden charm.Asian Games full coverage | Medal Tally | Schedule“I’ve shot my dad’s barrel. It’s a very old barrel. He got it on his first import to shoot in the national championships. And he won two national championships in India with that barrel,” Kynan said. TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview from Japan.The decision to change the weapon came at the last minute. His coach asked him to switch weapons, and instead of looking for another option, Kynan reached out to his father and decided to use the barrel that Darius won two national titles with.“I didn’t have one with me at the time and the coach wanted me to change, so I took his. And yes, actually, when you think about it, it’s a very strange feeling to have this medal with the barrel. And I’m not going to give it back to him right away,” he said.

Darius Chenai (special arrangement)

“He was one of my biggest inspirations”

Darius played a big role in his son’s career. From making sure Kynan remained focused on academics to supporting his shooting journey, he was a constant presence in his life.“He has been one of my biggest inspirations, and more importantly, the biggest support in my shooting career over the last 25 years. He has nurtured me from a very young age until now,” said Kynan.Even before the final of the Asian Games, Kynan turned to his father for advice.“Even yesterday we had a long talk about what the plan is and how I’m going to proceed with my finals and the upcoming season. You know, all the doubts and all the questions you have as an athlete. I actually spoke to him,” he said.For Kynan, it’s simple: when in doubt or before an important race, pick up the phone and call his dad. He did just that before the mixed team finals of the Asian Games.“You know, he just settles you down. He just gives you a foundation. Family always gives you a foundation,” Kynan said.

Neeru Dhanda and Kynan Chenai (PTI Photo)

From Rio to another gold from the Asian Games

Kynan represented India at the 2016 Rio Olympics where he finished 19th in the men’s trap. He then missed out on qualifying for the Olympics in Tokyo and Paris.But his hunger for another Olympic appearance and medal win remains strong.“Yeah, every Olympics you miss is a big deal. And for Tokyo and Paris, I just didn’t win the quota. And if you don’t win the quota, you don’t go to the Olympics,” he said.“I went to the Paris Olympics as a spectator. And watching my colleagues shoot gave me a kick. I went to the Paris Olympics with Rajeshwari (wife) and it was really nice to be at the Olympic venue, watching people shoot and being a spectator,” he said.“It also gives you a bit of motivation to train harder and try to get the quota for the country again,” he added.Kynan is now eyeing the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.“Well, it’s a goal, but if God has it in His plan and it’s written in the stars, then yes,” he said.

Kynan Chenai with his father Darius (special arrangement)

‘I’m more hungry now’

Kynan has now won gold at two consecutive editions of the Asian Games. He was part of the Indian men’s trap team that won gold at Hangzhou 2022 while also winning an individual bronze. He now added gold from the mixed team trap in Aichi-Nagoya.With each medal, Kynan says his hunger for more wins only grew.“I’m more hungry now because I feel like I’ve done a lot of work over the decade, but the sport never ceases to amaze me. And I’m just glad I was able to stick to my guns, stick to my process and execute a mixed team. The way it went today was really rewarding,” he said.“So I’m more hungry, I think, and I’ll always be hungry because this sport is an obsession. It’s nothing else,” he added.

Kynan Chenai and Neeru Dhanda

Neeru was battling an illness

Neeru had to battle illness to win medals in the Asian Games.She was suffering from a viral fever just days before the games. She took medicine for several days but when her condition did not improve, she was admitted to PSRI Hospital in Chirag, Delhi. She was later released but had little time to recover before the competition.According to Kynan, Neeru was still not fully fit, but she fought bravely and gave it her all.Although Neeru was unable to train at the head of the competition, he won gold in the individual trap on Tuesday. She had earlier helped India secure silver in the women’s team event before teaming up with Kynan to win the mixed team gold on Wednesday.The Indian pair finished with an Asian and Games record 34.“She was just great. She didn’t do any training before the tournament and was in the hospital. And then she came out and shot the final yesterday in the rain. She was really tired today, but she held on as much as she could and it was great,” Kynan said.“You need a partner who will stick and fight for every goal, which she did and we got the result,” he added.Before the finale, Kynan had only one message for his partner.“Before the final I told her, ‘Good luck, stay strong and keep shooting. That’s it.’