Neeru Dhanda's Historic Win Signals New Era for Indian Trap Shooting
A Transformative Moment for Indian Trap Shooting
Peter Wilson, the foreign trap shooting coach and a gold medalist from the London 2012 Olympics, has expressed that Neeru Dhanda's remarkable victory at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup in Lonato represents a pivotal moment for Indian trap shooting. As the team prepares for the upcoming ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou starting Monday, along with the Asian Games later this year, this achievement is particularly significant. The ISSF World Cup for Rifle, Pistol, and Shotgun is set to occur in Hangzhou, China, from July 20 to July 29.
Praise for Neeru Dhanda's Achievement
During a Media Day event organized by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi, Wilson commended Dhanda's historic accomplishment. He stated, "Having just returned from the World Cup in Lonato, where Neeru excelled, we are now focused on the World Cup in China. This marks India's first Olympic gold in women's trap shooting, which is monumental. I'm thrilled for everyone involved. Neeru has dedicated immense effort, and she truly deserves this recognition."
Upcoming Competitions and Team Preparations
Wilson's remarks came shortly before the Indian rifle and pistol team departed for Hangzhou, while the trap shooting team is scheduled to leave on Monday. Notably, Neeru Dhanda will not be part of this contingent. Under Wilson's mentorship, Indian trap shooting has seen considerable progress. Earlier this month, Dhanda made history by becoming the first Indian woman to secure an individual gold medal in the women's trap event at an ISSF World Cup in Lonato, Italy. Wilson has also played a crucial role in the success of other Indian trap shooters, including Zoravar Singh Sandhu, who won a bronze medal at the 2025 ISSF Shotgun World Championship.
Comprehensive Training for LA 2028 Olympics
The former Olympic champion emphasized that the coaching staff's responsibilities extend beyond mere technical training. They focus equally on fitness, nutrition, and the overall development of athletes as India aims for success at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Discussing the significance of diet and fitness for shooters, Wilson remarked, "We address every facet of an athlete's life, including their nutrition. Our objective is to maximize each athlete's potential so they can perform at their best when representing the country. While this may not always result in gold medals, it is about continuous improvement leading up to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles."
Key Preparations for the Asian Games
The ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou will be a vital step in India's preparations for a packed international schedule, with the Asian Games set to take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 17 to October 3. As the foreign coach for the shotgun team, Wilson will accompany the athletes to the Asian Games, where India aims to build on its recent global successes and further enhance its standing in trap shooting.
Indian Team for Hangzhou
Rifle & Pistol Team
* Men: Parth Rakesh Mane, Himanshu Dhillon, Shahu Tushar Mane, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, Niraj Kumar, Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil, Kedarling Balakrishna Uchaganve, Kamaljeet, Anish, Omkar Singh, Bhavesh Shekhawat.
* Women: Elavenil Valarivan, Sonam Uttam Maskar, Sakshi Sunil Padekar, Ashi Chouksey, Vidarsa K Vinod, Tilottama Sen, Suruchi, Sainyam, Esha Singh, Manu Bhaker, Rahi Sarnobat.
Trap Team
* Men: Udaiveer Singh Jaijee, Bhowneesh Mendiratta, Vivaan Kapoor.
* Women: Pragati Dubey, Kirti Gupta, Rajeshwari Kumari.