Neeru Dhanda Claims Double Gold at Asian Games 2026
Indian shooter Neeru Dhanda has made history at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, securing two gold medals in a stunning display of skill and perseverance. The 26-year-old became the first Indian woman to win an individual shotgun gold at the Asian Games, triumphing in the women's trap event, a feat that caps a remarkable rise in the sport.
From Humble Beginnings to National Stage
Neeru's journey began with modest roots as a farmer's daughter from Jind, Haryana. She had minimal exposure to shooting until her cousin, Lakshay Sheoran, a silver medalist in Jakarta, inspired her to take up the sport. This familial inspiration ignited a passion that would lead her to the pinnacle of Asian shooting.
In her early days, Neeru practiced with an Indian-made gun belonging to her cousin's father. Her training was unconventional, often involving shooting near a pond in Bhopal with a tin can serving as a makeshift target. "I didn't know anything about shooting before that. My cousin Lakshay was a silver medallist in Jakarta. I was inspired by that medal," Neeru shared after her historic victory.
Her transition to competitive shooting was facilitated when Lakshay's parents enrolled her in the Madhya Pradesh State Shooting Academy. This critical move provided her with access to professional guns, ammunition, and structured institutional support, laying the foundation for her future success.
Overcoming Adversity: Illness and Training Challenges
Neeru's path to the Asian Games was not without significant hurdles. Just ten days before the competition, she was hospitalized, forcing her to miss an entire training camp. She recounted going five days without food, surviving only on water, and being in a "very bad condition."
Despite the severe disruption to her preparation, her coach, Mansher Singh, maintained constant contact, helping her stay focused. Neeru's unwavering commitment was evident: "Hurdles don't matter when you have full commitment in your heart. I have to win for my family, my country, the Indian Army and the MP State Shooting Academy."
Triumph Amidst Nagoya's Rain and Pressure
The conditions in Nagoya presented additional challenges, with rain and cold weather affecting her grip and shooting routine. However, Neeru drew upon her extensive mental conditioning developed during training. Her philosophy was clear: "Even if there is a storm, we should not look down. We should look up."
Her training regimen included deliberate distractions, such as loud music, sudden movements, and objects placed in her line of sight, preparing her to maintain focus under any circumstances.
Dedication and Inspiration for Future Shooters
Neeru dedicated her hard-won gold medals to the Indian soldiers guarding the nation's borders and to the former Asian Games champion Raja Ranjit Singh, who passed away earlier this year. She hopes her achievement will serve as a powerful inspiration for young Indian shooters.
"It was not easy, but I made it easy. Future juniors and players training for India in trap and shotgun will feel that if Neeru can do it, then we can do it," she stated. After topping qualification with 95 points, her strategy remained simple: focus on proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and avoiding unnecessary pressure, with dal and roti from a Bangladeshi restaurant serving as her comfort meal in Nagoya.