Neeru Dhanda Makes History as First Indian Woman to Win ISSF Shotgun World Cup Gold

Historic Victory for Neeru Dhanda

Neeru Dhanda has etched her name in history by becoming the first Indian woman to secure a gold medal in the ISSF Shotgun World Cup. The talented shooter from Haryana demonstrated remarkable composure during a thrilling finish to win the gold in Lonato, Italy, on July 11, marking India's first medal at this tournament and the inaugural shotgun World Cup gold of the season. This victory also represents Neeru's first individual medal at the ISSF World Cup level, adding to her earlier achievement of winning mixed trap bronze alongside Vivaan Kumar in Almaty earlier this year. That bronze was India's only medal in shotgun events until Neeru's groundbreaking performance in Lonato.

From the beginning of the tournament, Neeru, who serves as a Naib Subedar in the Indian Army, displayed exceptional skill, finishing the qualification round with an impressive score of 121 out of 125, which propelled her into the eight-woman medal round.

Final Showdown Against Cormenier

Neeru Stuns Cormenier

In the final round, Neeru secured her spot among the top three, ensuring a podium finish. The gold medal battle was intense, pitting her against France's former world champion and Olympian, Carole Cormenier. With both shooters tied at 25 hits and only two targets left, the tension was palpable. At a crucial moment, Cormenier stumbled, while Neeru maintained her focus, ultimately clinching a memorable victory in a nail-biting finish. Italy's Erica Sessa, a former junior world champion, took home the bronze medal, while Silvana Stanco, a local favorite and silver medallist from the Paris 2024 Olympics, faced disappointment as the first shooter eliminated from the medal round. Another Indian competitor, Manisha Keer, narrowly missed the final, finishing 10th in the qualification standings.

Challenges for Men's Trap and Skeet Shooters

Men's Trap and Skeet Shooters Disappointed

On the other hand, the men's trap event was disappointing for the Indian team, as none of the shooters progressed to the finals. Asian Games medallist Kynan Chenai ended up in 71st place, while Prithviraj Tondaiman, competing solely for ranking points, was the highest-placed Indian in 32nd position during the qualification round. Earlier in the week, India's skeet shooters also faced challenges, with neither the men's nor women's teams qualifying for their respective finals. The Lonato competition, which is the third of four ISSF Shotgun World Cup events scheduled for 2026, will conclude on Sunday with the mixed trap event, where India hopes to build on Neeru's historic win.