Neeru Dhanda Secures Historic Gold in Trap Shooting at Asian Games 2026
Neeru Dhanda makes history by winning India's first women's trap shooting gold at the Asian Games, ending a 48-year drought.
Neeru Dhanda achieved an Asian record with 28 out of 30 points.
She is the first Indian woman to win a trap shooting gold at the Asian Games.
India's women's trap team secured a silver medal alongside her individual victory.
In a remarkable achievement for Indian sports, Neeru Dhanda won the gold medal in women's trap shooting at the Asian Games on September 29, 2026. This victory not only marked India's first individual gold at these Games but also ended a 48-year wait for a gold in trap shooting. The event took place at the Aichi General Shooting Range, where the 26-year-old shooter showcased her exceptional skills and determination.
Neeru's journey to gold was characterized by consistent performance over three days of intense competition. She shot an impressive 48 points on the first day and followed it up with 47 points on the second day, leading the qualifiers with a total of 95 points. In the final, she scored 118 out of a possible 125, equaling the score of Qatar's Ray Bassil before triumphing in a tense shoot-off. This victory adds to her accolades as she had previously become the first Indian woman to win a trap World Cup gold.
Throughout the competition, Neeru demonstrated remarkable composure, overcoming challenging weather conditions and the pressure of past close calls for Indian shooters. Her performance was characterized by precision, as she only missed two targets, allowing her to maintain a lead over China's Sun Yunong. Neeru's achievement is particularly significant as she is only the second Indian to win a trap gold at the Asian Games, following the late Randhir Singh.
The success of Neeru Dhanda also contributed to the Indian women's trap team's overall performance, which secured a silver medal with a combined score of 328. Her teammates, Manisha Keer and Ashima Ahlawat, finished with scores of 104 and 106, respectively. In contrast, the men's team faced disappointment, with Shapath Bhardwaj finishing eighth in the final and the team placing sixth overall.
Looking ahead, Neeru's victory is expected to inspire a new generation of shooters in India, potentially leading to increased support and investment in the sport. As the Asian Games continue, the focus will shift to upcoming events, where Indian athletes will aim to build on this historic success.
