Neeru Dhanda became the first Indian woman to win an individual gold medal in the women's trap event at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup [1].
The victory marks a historic milestone for Indian shooting sports, breaking a long-standing barrier for women in the trap discipline on the global stage.
Dhanda, 26 [1], secured the title during the competition held in Lonato, Italy [2]. As a member of the Indian Army, she overcame previous near-misses in the event to claim the top spot on the podium [1].
She attributed her success to a combination of mental fortitude and a fearless approach to the competition. Dhanda said, "I had to believe I am a champion" [2].
The shooter emphasized the importance of psychological resilience during the final stages of the tournament. "I stayed mentally strong and focused on every shot," Dhanda said [3].
Following this achievement, Dhanda has set her sights on upcoming major competitions. She intends to carry this momentum into the Asian Games and the World Championship [2].
Her performance in Lonato underscores a shift in the competitive standing of Indian shooters in shotgun events, a field where the country has historically sought more consistent podium finishes.
“I had to believe I am a champion”
Dhanda's gold medal represents a significant breakthrough for India in the shotgun category, specifically in trap shooting. By becoming the first Indian woman to achieve this feat, she establishes a new benchmark for female athletes in the country and increases the likelihood of Indian representation on the podium at future Olympic and World Championship events.
