Neeru Dhanda Wins Gold, Leads India to Silver in Women's Trap at Asian Games 2026

Neeru Dhanda has made history by clinching India's first ever individual gold medal in women's trap shooting at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi Nagoya. Her victory on September 29, 2026, not only marked a personal achievement but also established a new Asian Games record with a remarkable score of 28 out of 30, surpassing the previous mark of 24.

Record Breaking Performance

Competing in the women’s trap individual event, Neeru demonstrated her exceptional prowess, securing the top spot against a highly competitive field. Her performance puts her in the spotlight as both a historic achiever and a beacon for Indian sports on the international shooting stage. This singular success exemplifies the culmination of dedication and rigorous training.

Team Achievement

In addition to Neeru's individual triumph, the Indian Women's Trap team, which included Neeru Dhanda alongside Aashima Ahlawat and Manisha Keer, achieved a significant milestone by earning the silver medal in the team event. Their combined efforts contributed to India's commendable standing in shooting sports at the Games.

Neeru's Inspirational Journey

Neeru Dhanda's journey to this historic win reflects grit and resourcefulness. From a rural background in Haryana's Jind district, she began her shooting career with improvised practice, using tin cans as targets and a family owned shotgun. Inspired by her cousin Lakshay Sheoran's success at the 2018 Asian Games, she overcame financial hurdles, initially practicing with borrowed equipment and eventually honing her skills at the Madhya Pradesh State Shooting Academy. Her enlistment in the Indian Army's Marksmanship Unit furthered her professional training.

Looking Forward

India's shooting sports community celebrates these achievements amid anticipation for further official releases detailing competitive standings and scores from the Asian Shooting Confederation and the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF). Neeru Dhanda's record breaking performance is expected to inspire future generations of Indian athletes in the discipline.

For more updates and detailed coverage on India's achievements in shooting and other events at the Asian Games 2026, visit Indian Era .