Neeru Dhanda: From Humble Beginnings to Asian Games Gold Medalist

Neeru Dhanda's journey from a humble background in Sangatpura village to winning gold at the Asian Games is a testament to her determination and resilience. Overcoming challenges such as illness and financial constraints, Neeru has become a beacon of hope and empowerment for women in her community. Her family's pride and the village's celebration of her achievements highlight the impact of her success. As she sets her sights on Olympic glory, Neeru's story inspires many to pursue their dreams against all odds.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 30, 2026, 01:53 IST

A Journey of Determination and Triumph

Neeru Dhanda, a 26-year-old from Sangatpura village in Jind district, has overcome numerous challenges, including a small one-room home and a father initially doubtful about the expenses of shooting. Despite facing dengue that landed her in a Delhi hospital, she persevered and ultimately clinched the gold medal in the women’s individual trap shooting event, marking a historic achievement as the first Indian woman to do so.

Her mother, Sudesh Devi, was in line to collect rations under the BPL scheme when she received the life-changing news of Neeru's victory. Overjoyed, Sudesh shared that Neeru always believed in her potential. "We live in a modest home, relying on buffalo milk for our livelihood, but Neeru has always been optimistic about our future, dreaming of a bigger house and car. Now, she has set her sights on Olympic gold," Sudesh expressed. The entire village is celebrating Neeru's success, with plans for a grand welcome upon her return, as noted by Sunil Kumar, the husband of the village sarpanch.

The family faced anxiety when Neeru fell ill just before the Asian Games, with her mother recalling, "She was hospitalized with dengue, which delayed her travel by four days." Initially, her father, Suresh Dhanda, a farmer, was reluctant to support her shooting ambitions due to the associated costs. However, they are grateful to their relative, Sombir Pehalwan, whose son Lakshya Sheoran is also a competitive shooter. He provided encouragement and logistical help when Neeru began her training in 2019.

Sangatpura, located about 6 km from Jind, recently witnessed its khap panchayat impose restrictions on marriage choices for girls. In contrast, Neeru has become a symbol of empowerment for young women in the area. When asked about gender discrimination in the village, Sudesh remarked, "Daughters are excelling in every field, outpacing sons. This is evident from the achievements of girls across Haryana. May every family be blessed with a daughter like Neeru."

Neeru's home remains a simple one-room dwelling, yet it is adorned with her medals and accolades. "The walls may not be painted, but Neeru has brought color to our lives," her mother said. Neeru's resilience has been evident from the start, leading her to relocate to Faridabad and later to Madhya Pradesh after being selected by the Sports Authority of India.

Her mother would send her about 10 kg of ghee, along with bajra rotis and churma, enough to last her several days. Last year, Neeru was appointed as a Naib Subedar in the Army Marksmanship Unit. Haryana's Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, has publicly congratulated her on her remarkable achievement at the Asian Games.