Asian Games 2026: Neeru Dhanda Wins Gold Medal, Makes History in Shooting

Neeru Dhanda Gold Medal has brought a major achievement to India's shooting campaign at the Asian Games 2026.

In the competition held in Nagoya, Japan, Indian shooter Neeru Dhanda delivered a brilliant performance in the women’s trap individual event, winning the gold medal. Dhanda hit 28 out of 30 targets in the final, setting an Asian Games record in the process.

The significance of Dhanda’s achievement lies in the fact that this is India’s first medal in the women’s trap individual event in Asian Games history. India secured a direct gold medal in this contest.

The gold medal earned by Neeru Dhanda marks a significant triumph for India.

From the outset, Neeru Dhanda displayed an outstanding performance in the women’s trap individual final. She successfully hit 28 of the 30 targets, amassing a total of 28 points.

Her 28 points also set an Asian Games record. With this performance, Dhanda claimed the gold medal. China’s Yunong Sun secured the silver medal with 26 points, while Kuwait’s Hazar Abdulmalik finished third with 21 points.

India’s first medal in the women’s trap individual event

Dhanda’s victory is also important for Indian shooting because India had never won a medal in the women’s trap individual competition at the Asian Games before.

By winning the gold medal outright, Dhanda opened India’s medal account. Her performance added another significant achievement to the Indian shooting contingent’s campaign.

She also won silver in the team event

Dhanda’s gold at the Asian Games 2026 is not her first medal. She previously won a silver medal for India in the women’s trap team event.

Alongside Dhanda were Ashima Ahluwalia and Manisha Kaur, forming the Indian team. The trio scored a total of 328 points in qualification. China topped the leaderboard with 346 points, earning gold, while Kuwait secured bronze with 325 points.

Thus, in the same competition, Dhanda captured silver in the team event and gold in the individual event.

A stellar performance in qualification as well

Before the final, Dhanda delivered an excellent performance in the qualification round, scoring 118 points and finishing in first place.

Dhanda’s score matched Qatar’s Re Basil. A shoot‑off was held to determine the top position. In the shoot‑off, Dhanda performed better, securing first place and establishing a strong position for the final.

She maintained her rhythm in the final, capturing the gold medal with 28 points.

Challenges from China and Kuwait in the final

In the women’s trap individual final, Dhanda faced strong challenges from China and Kuwait. China’s Yunong Sun scored 26 points to win silver, while Kuwait’s Hazar Abdulmalik secured bronze with 21 points.

Dhanda outscored both competitors, claiming the top spot.

India’s fifth gold medal

Dhanda’s gold at the Asian Games 2026 is reported as India’s fifth gold medal in the Games. Indian…