Neeru Dhanda Makes History with Gold in Women's Trap at Asian Games 2026

Historic Achievement at the Asian Games

Indian shooter Neeru Dhanda achieved a remarkable milestone by securing the gold medal in the women's individual trap event during the Asian Games held in Aichi-Nagoya on September 29. She topped the podium with an impressive score of 28 out of 30 targets, setting a new Asian record at the Aichi Prefectural General Shooting Gallery.

Path to Victory

Neeru advanced to the final of the women's individual trap after tying for the highest score in the qualification round alongside Ray Bassil from Qatar, hitting 118 out of 125 targets. Her record-setting performance not only earned her the gold but also ended India's 48-year wait for a gold medal in this event at the Asian Games.

A Look Back in History

The last time India celebrated a gold medal in the individual trap event was in 1978, when Randhir Singh won in the men's category. Neeru's victory marks a significant return to form for Indian shooters in this discipline.

Who is Neeru Dhanda?

Neeru Dhanda, a 26-year-old from Jind district in Haryana, has emerged as a prominent figure in shooting. She relocated to Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, over ten years ago, where she began her shooting journey using her family's old double-barrel shotgun. Inspired by her cousin Lakshay Sheoran's silver medal at the 2018 Asian Games, she pursued the sport more seriously.

Her first major success came in 2022 when she won gold at the National Games. In 2025, she added to her accolades with gold medals at the Shotgun National Trials in New Delhi and the 38th National Games. That same year, she gained international recognition by winning double gold at the Asian Shooting Championships.

Recent Achievements

Neeru's accomplishments continued to grow as she secured a gold and a bronze medal at the World Cup events in Lonato del Garda and Almaty. Her recent gold in the individual trap event at the Asian Games not only highlights her talent but also cements her legacy in Indian shooting history.

India's Shooting Team Shines

India has dispatched nearly 500 athletes to Japan, with the shooting team comprising 30 members, making it the third-largest contingent after athletics and hockey. The shooting team has performed exceptionally well, contributing significantly to India's medal tally with a total of 14 medals, including two gold, eight silver, and four bronze.

Neeru's gold medal adds to India's achievements in shooting, marking the second gold in this discipline at the Asian Games. Overall, India has amassed 48 medals, including 5 gold, 21 silver, and 22 bronze, currently ranking 11th on the medal table, trailing behind China, Japan, and South Korea.