Neeru Dhanda has made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win an individual gold medal in trap shooting at the Asian Games. Her remarkable achievement occurred during a rain-affected final in Nagoya, where she scored an impressive 28 hits out of 30, setting a new Games record. Prior to her participation, Neeru had confidently told her mother, Sudesh Devi, that Prime Minister Modi would personally meet them after her victory.

Sudesh Devi recalled Neeru’s words as she conversed with IANS before the event. However, little did she know that her daughter was about to etch her name in history. At the time of the final, Sudesh was out collecting the family’s wheat ration under the Below Poverty Line scheme, completely unaware of the monumental moment unfolding on the shooting range.

Neeru had previously contributed to India’s success by securing a silver medal in the women’s trap team event alongside Aashima Ahlawat and Manisha Keer. Just a day later, she showcased exceptional skill, topping the qualification round with a score of 118 out of 125, matching Qatar’s Ray Bassil before clinching gold amid challenging weather conditions.

Triumphant Mixed Team Event

Following her individual success, Neeru further evidenced her prowess by winning gold in the mixed team trap event with teammate Kynan Chenai. The duo amassed 34 points in the final, breaking another Asian Games record. This victory marked India’s inaugural medal in the mixed team trap event, reinforcing Neeru’s rising status in the competitive shooting landscape.

The second gold medal held substantial significance for Neeru, as she dedicated her individual success to Raja Randhir Singh, who was India’s first Asian Games gold medallist in trap shooting back in 1978. Neeru’s triumph comes 48 years after Singh’s historic win, highlighting a poignant connection to the sport’s legacy in India.

Kynan Chenai, who paired with Neeru, expressed confidence in her abilities before the Games. He highlighted her recent accomplishments, including her individual gold at the ISSF World Cup in Lonato earlier this year, where she became the first Indian woman to secure gold in a World Cup event in trap shooting. This impressive form made her a standout contender at the Asian Games.

Challenges Overcome on the Path to Victory

Neeru’s journey was marked by considerable challenges. Just days before the Asian Games, she faced a health scare, hospitalised due to a severe flu with H1N1 suspected. This illness left her on a liquid diet for five days, hampering her training schedule and casting doubt on her participation in the competition. Nevertheless, her personal coach, Mansher Singh, encouraged her to focus on recovery and maintain her target-driven mindset.

Despite these hurdles, Neeru made it to Nagoya, ultimately achieving unparalleled success. Her initial prediction to her mother about meeting Prime Minister Modi appeared ambitious, yet she turned it into reality with her outstanding performances. She now stands as a significant figure in India’s shooting campaign for these Games.

As Neeru continues to celebrate her achievements, the possibility of meeting the Prime Minister remains a tangible goal. Having transformed her promise into victory, she may have the opportunity to share her journey and dreams directly with him in the near future, adding further significance to her historic accomplishments.

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