Neeru Dhanda Makes History as First Indian Woman to Win Gold in Trap Shooting

Neeru Dhanda has etched her name in history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a gold medal in trap shooting at the ISSF World Cup in Italy. With a record-breaking qualification score, Dhanda's victory not only marks a personal achievement but also signifies a turning point for Indian women's trap shooting. She expresses her hopes for future successes and Olympic aspirations, while her coach praises her remarkable progress. This landmark win is expected to inspire a new generation of athletes in India. Read on to discover more about Dhanda's journey and her vision for the future.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 12, 2026, 22:12 IST

Historic Achievement at ISSF World Cup

Neeru Dhanda, an Indian shotgun shooter, made headlines at the ISSF World Cup held in Lonato, Italy, by becoming the first Indian woman to clinch a gold medal in trap shooting. The 26-year-old athlete set a new national record with a qualification score of 121 out of 125, ultimately defeating former World Champion Carole Cormenier from France in a thrilling final.

A Landmark Victory

Reflecting on her monumental achievement, Dhanda expressed the emotional weight of standing atop the podium. She noted how this victory could transform the perception of Indian women's trap shooting. "Seeing the national flag raised was an extraordinary moment. It made me realize that we can compete with the best in the world. This gold medal breaks a long-standing barrier, and I believe we will see more medals coming our way in the future," Dhanda stated.

Mental Fortitude in a High-Pressure Final

During the intense final, Dhanda showcased exceptional focus and composure, concentrating on her technique despite facing seasoned competitors. She emphasized that her mindset revolved around her performance rather than the accolades of her rivals. "Competing against a world champion requires you to see yourself as a champion too. I blocked out distractions and focused solely on my routine. It didn't matter who was hitting or missing; staying calm and present is key to success," she explained.

Looking Ahead to Olympic Aspirations

As she looks to the future, Dhanda highlighted that this World Cup win is merely the beginning of a longer journey. The gold medal serves as a significant confidence booster as she and her team prepare for major global competitions and Olympic qualification. "This gold is just the start; the real challenge lies ahead. With the National Camp approaching, my focus is on the World Championships and securing an Olympic quota. My ultimate aim is to win gold at the Los Angeles Olympics, and our preparations begin now," Dhanda remarked.

Coach Applauds Dhanda's Progress

Peter Wilson, India's foreign coach, commended Dhanda's remarkable development over the past year. He pointed to her victory at the Asian Championships in Shymkent as a pivotal moment that bolstered her confidence on the international stage. "Neeru has made significant strides, and her win in Shymkent last year instilled in her the belief that she belongs among the elite. Her hard work behind the scenes has paid off, and this gold is a testament to her dedication. I aspire for India to not just participate but to dominate the global shotgun circuit," Wilson stated.

Inspiring Future Generations

Wilson drew parallels between Dhanda's achievement and Richard Faulds' Olympic Gold for the UK in 2000, suggesting that individual successes can inspire a generation of athletes to elevate their performance. "Faulds' victory broke barriers for British shooters, and Neeru has done the same for India. She has demonstrated that global gold is attainable, and we aim to harness this momentum to push our limits further," Wilson concluded.