Neeru Dhanda and Kynan Chenai Secure Gold in Trap Mixed Team at Asian Games 2026

Historic Victory for India in Shooting

Nagoya, Sep 30: Neeru Dhanda and Kynan Chenai showcased exceptional skill under pressure, winning the gold medal in the trap mixed team event at the Asian Games 2026 on Wednesday. This victory marked a significant achievement for Neeru, who has now secured two gold medals in Nagoya.

Qatar finished with the silver medal, scoring 32, while China took home the bronze with 23 points, and Iran ended in fourth place.

This triumph represents Neeru's second gold at the current games, having previously won the women's trap individual event. In total, she has earned three medals in Aichi-Nagoya, including a silver as part of the women's trap team. India now holds three gold medals in shooting and is positioned eighth in the overall medal standings with nine gold, 21 silver, and 27 bronze medals, totaling 57.

Initially, India faced a challenging start in the four-team final, managing only six hits from their first ten shots, placing them at the bottom of the leaderboard. Qatar led with seven hits, while China and Iran were tied with six.

However, the duo made a remarkable comeback. Neeru and Kynan found their rhythm in the second series, hitting every target thereafter. Their flawless performance brought India to 16 hits after 20 shots, allowing them to tie with Qatar and secure a podium finish after Iran was eliminated with 12 hits.

The competition experienced a brief pause due to a technical issue with the trap machinery at Station 1. Once the issue was resolved, the Indian pair resumed their impressive performance.

Another clean series kept India in contention, and a thrilling final stretch shifted the dynamics of the medal race. Neeru and Kynan continued their perfect streak, ultimately achieving 26 hits from 30 shots.

China, which had a strong start, was eliminated after the 30-shot stage with 23 hits. Qatar remained India's main competitor with 24 hits, setting the stage for a direct battle for gold.

India maintained their composure during the crucial moments, finishing with 34 hits. This victory not only secured the gold but also allowed India to break the Asian record of 33 hits previously set by Qatar in Doha earlier in 2026.

For Neeru, this victory capped an incredible two-day performance, having won individual trap gold just a day prior and returning to the range less than 24 hours later to claim another title alongside Kynan.

Kynan also added a mixed team gold to India's impressive shooting achievements at the Games.

The outcome was particularly noteworthy given India's rocky start. From being in last place with six hits after the opening series, Neeru and Kynan turned the final around with an uninterrupted series of successful shots, ultimately finishing at the top of a closely contested event.