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Borrowed Gun to Asian Games Gold: Neeru Dhanda's Unconventional Journey to Shooting Glory
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News18•29-09-2026, 14:45
Borrowed Gun to Asian Games Gold: Neeru Dhanda's Unconventional Journey to Shooting Glory
- •Neeru Dhanda became the first Indian woman to win an individual shotgun gold at the Asian Games, triumphing in women's trap with a record-breaking performance.
- •Her journey began with a borrowed gun from her cousin Lakshay Sheoran's father, practicing at a pond in Bhopal with makeshift targets.
- •The Madhya Pradesh State Shooting Academy provided crucial support, including free guns and ammunition, enabling her to pursue the sport despite her family's modest financial background.
- •Despite falling seriously ill and missing training just 10 days before the competition, Neeru, with her coach Mansher Singh's guidance, overcame the challenge to secure gold.
- •Neeru dedicated her medal to soldiers, former Asian Games champion Raja Ranjit Singh, and hopes her achievement inspires future generations of Indian shooters.
Key Questions Answered
Neeru Dhanda became the first Indian woman to win an individual shotgun gold medal at the Asian Games, triumphing in the women's trap event with a record-breaking score of 28.
Neeru began her shooting journey by practicing with a borrowed Indian-made gun belonging to her cousin Lakshay Sheoran's father, aiming at tin targets near a pond in Bhopal.
Just 10 days before the competition, Neeru was hospitalised after falling seriously ill and went five days without food, while also battling relentless rain and plunging temperatures in Nagoya during the event.
