India's wait for an individual gold medal at the ongoing Asian Games 2026 finally came to an end on Tuesday, thanks to a phenomenal performance by ace trap shooter Neeru Dhanda. Defying tough, rainy conditions at the shotgun range, Dhanda clinched the top prize in the women's individual trap final with a stellar score, setting a new Asian record in the process.
Dhanda’s historic victory marks India’s fifth gold medal overall at the Aichi-Nagoya Games and serves as the country's first individual gold of the campaign. Keeping her nerves completely under control, the 26-year-old markswoman dominated the field from the qualification rounds through to the final, finishing two clear shots ahead of China's silver-medalist Sun Yunong, while Kuwait's Hajar Abdulmalik bagged the bronze.
The journey to the top of the podium on Tuesday was grueling yet glorious for the Indian shooter. Earlier in the day, Dhanda paired up with teammates Aashima Ahlawat and Manisha Keer to secure a hard-fought silver medal in the women's trap team event. Bouncing right back from the team podium ceremony, she maintained laser-like focus into the individual showdown. Striking targets with incredible consistency—including a flawless third series—she finished with a winning score to cement her legacy.
This golden triumph adds another remarkable milestone to Dhanda’s breakout year, having previously made headlines by capturing gold at the ISSF World Cup in Lonato. As the Tricolour flew high in Nagoya, Neeru Dhanda's legendary feat stands tall as a defining moment for Indian shooting sports.
