"Not only was Kynan the junior champion for the fourth time in a row in the trap event but broke into the seniors by coming second to world champion Manavjit Singh Sandhu in an interesting final,” says proud father Darius Chenai about his 19-year-old son’s shooting stardom. At the 54th National Shooting Championships held at the Dr Karni Singh Range, Tughlakabad, New Delhi in January 2011, Kynan bagged medals of all three colors — gold in junior trap, silver in the seniors and bronze in the team event when he partnered his father, also an experienced shooter, and M. D. Vikram to put his state (Andhra Pradesh) on the podium.
Kynan Chenai: shooting for India in the Chile World Cup
Soon after came the selection trials for the senior World Cup (shooting) squad and "based on the scores and a perfect 50 on the final day in the last trial, Kynan has been selected for the senior three-member team to represent India in Word Cups in Chile and Australia,” Darius adds. Scheduled to leave for Egypt for a grand prix competition where he was to shoot for the Patiala Gun Club, the turmoil in that country put paid to his plans. Kynan has taken a year off from studies to set his sights on medals.
"I had come to the Nationals with the plan to make the Indian team. I have achieved one, but lots more targets to go for me (in the year),” the Hyderabad lad told The Indian Express, January 15, 2011. "Beating his mentor (Mansher Singh who stood third in the senior category) was not on the youngster’s agenda; doing well was, given that it’s a crucial year with quota places for the London Olympics up for grabs.” "Joey (Mansher) is my guru,” Kynan told the paper. "Everything that I know about shooting has been mostly taught by him. Little advice that he gives me on range helps my shooting a long way.” "Kynan is the only guy I have taught so far. So if he does well, I deserve a little pat on my back,” Mansher responded.