Asian Games 2026: Neeru Dhanda Wins Historic Gold in Women’s Trap
Army shooter Neeru Dhanda won India’s first individual gold at the Asian Games 2026, becoming the first Indian woman to claim the women’s trap title.
Neeru Dhanda has scripted a new chapter in Indian shooting at the Asian Games 2026, winning gold in the women’s trap event and becoming the first Indian woman to claim the title. The Army shooter also set a new Asian record with her winning performance in Aichi-Nagoya.
The 26-year-old from Jind dominated the final despite difficult conditions and heavy rain. Neeru shot 28 out of 30 targets in the final, finishing ahead of China’s Sun Yunong, who won silver with 26 out of 30. Kuwait’s Hajar Abdulmalik took bronze with 21 out of 25.
Neeru had already topped the qualification round with 118 out of 125 and had earlier helped India win silver in the women’s team trap event. Her gold also ended India’s long wait for an individual gold medal at the ongoing Games.
Her journey into shooting was inspired by her cousin Lakshay Sheoran, who won silver in trap at the 2018 Asian Games. Neeru initially trained alongside him and even used a gun he lent her. Before entering professional shooting, she practised with her family’s double-barrel gun by shooting at tin cans.
She joined the Madhya Pradesh Shooting Academy in 2019 and gradually made her mark internationally. In 2026, she became the first Indian woman to win an individual ISSF World Cup gold in women’s trap at Lonato, Italy.
A Naib Subedar in the Corps of Military Police, Neeru now trains with the Army Marksmanship Unit in Mhow. Her Asian Games gold marks another major milestone in a journey that began with a family connection and a simple introduction to the sport.
