Neeru Dhanda sets Asian record, wins women's trap gold for India at 2026 Asian Games

Neeru Dhanda broke the Asian record with a 28 to claim the women's individual trap gold for India at the 2026 Asian Games. She became the first Indian woman to win gold in the event. Hours earlier she had helped India win silver in the women's team trap, partnered with Manisha Keer and Aashima Ahlawat. The gold lifted India’s tally to five medals at the Aichi‑Nagoya Asiad. In the eight‑shooter final Dhanda hit 28 targets, surpassing the previous record of 24. China’s Yunong Sun finished second with 26, while France’s Carole Cormenier took silver with 25 and Italy’s Erica Sessa earned bronze. India’s last individual trap gold came in 1978 when Randhir Singh won the men’s title in Bangkok; Singh passed away earlier this year. Earlier in 2026 Dhanda won the women’s trap at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup in Lonato, Italy – her first individual World Cup medal. She hails from Jind district in Haryana and holds the national champion title. In the final she missed only three shots.

Context

Trap shooting tests accuracy and speed by launching clay targets. The Asian Games draws top shooters from across the continent, making a new record a sign of rising standards in Indian shooting.