Neeru Dhanda and Kynan Chenai Shine with Gold in Trap Mixed Team Event at Asian Games

Neeru Dhanda and Kynan Chenai have made headlines by winning the gold medal in the trap mixed team event at the Asian Games 2026. Their victory over the top-seeded team from Qatar highlights India's exceptional performance in shooting. Dhanda's journey is particularly inspiring, as she reflects on her struggles and achievements, while Chenai emphasizes the importance of teamwork and support from the National Rifle Association of India. This article delves into their remarkable accomplishments and the path they took to secure gold.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 30, 2026, 19:21 IST

India's Triumph in Shooting

Neeru Dhanda and Kynan Chenai showcased remarkable composure under pressure, securing the gold medal in the trap mixed team event at the Asian Games. They triumphed over the top-seeded team from Qatar in a thrilling final, contributing to India's impressive performance in shooting at the event held in Aichi-Nagoya.

Dhanda's Remarkable Journey

For Dhanda, this gold medal represents her third achievement at the Asian Games 2026. She previously earned a silver in the women's trap team event and made history as the first Indian woman to win an individual gold in trap shooting. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed that the challenges she faced early on were instrumental in her growth. Surrounded by congratulatory messages from family and coaches, Dhanda shared her overwhelming joy in representing her country.

She stated, "I have received numerous calls from my family and coaches, but I haven't managed to respond to everyone yet. Winning a medal for my country fills me with immense happiness. I believe the struggles I faced in my youth were meant to teach me valuable lessons, helping me to grow stronger. I feel fortunate and optimistic about my future. Despite the challenges, I have continually worked on improving myself, and this achievement is a testament to that effort."

Chenai Highlights Team Support

Kynan Chenai attributed their success to a collaborative team effort, acknowledging the vital roles played by coaches, physiotherapists, psychologists, and the National Rifle Association of India. Reflecting on his extensive 26-year career in shooting, he emphasized the importance of a supportive environment that prepares athletes both physically and mentally.

"It’s a collective effort involving our coaches, physiotherapists, and psychologists. The National Rifle Association of India has been instrumental in ensuring our well-being and readiness. It’s a wonderful feeling to achieve success as a team. Throughout my long career, I have been supported by a professional setup that ensures we are in peak condition, both physically and mentally, allowing us to perform at our best," Chenai remarked.

Performance Overview

The gold medal for Dhanda and Chenai was secured through a consistent performance across four series. They scored 6 points in the first series, followed by 16 in the second, and 26 after the third, culminating in a total of 34 points to clinch the gold.