Inspired by cousin, Army shooter Neeru wins historic Asian Games gold

Asian Games 2026: Neeru Dhanda took up shooting after watching her cousin Lakshay Sheoran win an Asian Games medal in 2018. On Tuesday in Aichi-Nagoya, the 26-year-old from Jind became the first Indian woman to win gold in the women's trap event at the Asian Games.Neeru Dhanda won Gold in women's trap in Asian Games 2026 (Screengrab from SonyLIV)New Delhi,Sep 29, 2026 11:36 ISTIt was not one of the celebrated rifle or pistol events, but shotgun gave India its first individual gold medal at the Asian Games, ending an agonising 10-day wait. Army shooter Neeru Dhanda, 26, won gold in the women’s trap event, setting a new Asian record in the process.The wait was frustrating, but the gold arrived in style. Neeru braved the rain at the Aichi Pref. General Shooting Gallery on Tuesday, dominating the women’s trap final.Neeru shot 28 out of 30, bettering the previous Asian record by four shots. China’s Sun Yunong won silver with 26 out of 30, while Kuwait’s Hajar Abdulmalik took bronze with 21 out of 25.Neeru had a healthy two-point lead going into the final series. But pressure has, so often in the past, done strange things to Indian shooters at major competitions. Neeru, however, was a picture of poise and concentration. The rain was coming down hard, but she kept her eyes on the target. She shot a perfect series of five when it mattered most, keeping Sun Yunong at bay.Neeru missed only two shots, one each in Series 2 and Series 5. - Ends