Neeru Dhanda: From Humble Beginnings to Asian Games Gold Medalist

Neeru Dhanda's Journey to Success

Neeru Dhanda, a 26-year-old shooter from Sangatpura village in Jind district, has prioritized her athletic ambitions over marriage. She has made it clear to her family that she will only consider marriage after securing a medal at the Asian Games and the Olympics.

Coming from a lower-middle-class background, where her family earns a living by selling buffalo milk, Neeru began her shooting career at the age of 19, which is relatively late for athletes in most sports.

Her determination, coupled with unwavering support from her family and her relative Sombir Sheoran, who provided essential assistance, helped her navigate the challenges of the sport. Eventually, she was selected by the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

A significant milestone in her career was achieved last year when she was appointed as a Naib Subedar in the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU).

After securing this position, when discussions about marriage arose, Neeru reiterated her commitment to winning a medal at the Asian Games and the Olympics first.

With her recent gold medal in women's individual trap shooting at the Asian Games, she has accomplished the first part of her goal, while her eyes are now set on Olympic glory.

As the second of three siblings, Neeru has a younger brother in college and an elder sister who is married. The family resides in a simple one-room house, where buffaloes are kept in the verandah, and their livelihood comes from milk sales. The walls of their home, once bare, are now adorned with Neeru's medals and accolades.

Initially, her father, Suresh Dhanda, was reluctant to support her shooting aspirations due to the costs involved. However, her mother stood by her decision. Sombir Sheoran played a crucial role in encouraging Neeru and assisting her with logistics when she began her training in 2019.

Even a bout of dengue could not derail her preparations for the Asian Games. She was hospitalized in Delhi just before the event, which delayed her travel by four days, but she managed to leave on September 21.

Neeru's journey from a modest one-room home to standing on the Asian Games podium is remarkable, but her focus remains firmly on achieving her Olympic dreams.