Eight years after cousin Lakshay’s Asian Games silver, Neeru Dhanda strikes gold
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Nitin Sharma
Neeru Dhanda has made history as the first Indian woman to win an individual trap shooting gold medal at the Asian Games 2026. Her victory follows a journey from humble beginnings to Army service and international excellence, building on the legacy of her cousin Lakshay Sheoran.
A Historic Triumph in Nagoya
Neeru Dhanda has etched her name into the annals of Indian sporting history by securing the individual gold medal in the women’s trap event at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya. This landmark achievement marks the first time an Indian woman has stood atop the podium in this specific discipline at the continental level. Her performance was defined by surgical precision, highlighted by a flawless start where she converted her first five shots, ultimately culminating in a record-breaking score of 28/30 in the final round.
From Humble Roots to the Continental Stage
The path to this gold was far from conventional. Hailing from the village of Sangatpura, Dhanda’s initial aspirations were limited by the economic realities of her family’s small farmland. Her transition from a kabaddi player to a world-class shooter was sparked by the 2018 success of her cousin, Lakshay Sheoran, who clinched a silver medal at the Jakarta Asian Games. Witnessing his homecoming served as the catalyst for her own ambition, despite the significant financial hurdles that initially made the sport appear out of reach.
The Role of Mentorship and Infrastructure
Dhanda’s rise is a testament to the power of familial and institutional support. With the backing of her parents and the mentorship of Lakshay and his father, Somveer Sheoran—a former national wrestler—she began training at the Karni Singh Shooting Range in Delhi. Initially relying on borrowed equipment, including Lakshay’s guns, she refined her technique through sheer persistence. This grassroots mentorship was eventually bolstered by her induction into the Indian Army as a Naib Subedar, providing the professional structure necessary to compete at the highest level.
Consistency and Competitive Excellence
Before her individual triumph, Dhanda demonstrated her form by playing a pivotal role in the Indian women’s trap team, which secured a silver medal earlier in the Games. Her composure was evident throughout the tournament, notably qualifying for the individual final after finishing joint-second with a score of 118/125. By maintaining her focus under the immense pressure of a major multi-sport event, she proved that her previous World Cup successes were not anomalies but the result of a sustained upward trajectory.
Broader Implications for Indian Shooting
The victory of Neeru Dhanda signals a maturing of India’s shooting pipeline. By successfully navigating the transition from a novice shooting at tin cans to a disciplined Army athlete, she serves as a beacon for aspiring shooters from rural backgrounds. This success underscores the importance of the Indian Army’s sports program in providing a pathway for talent development that transcends socio-economic barriers. As Dhanda continues her career, her historic gold is expected to increase investment and interest in trap shooting within India, potentially setting a new benchmark for future continental and global competitions.
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