Aichi-Nagoya (Japan): Neeru Dhanda scripted history at the 2026 Asian Games by becoming the first Indian woman to win an individual gold medal in trap shooting. The 26-year-old produced a record-breaking performance in the women’s trap final, hitting 28 of 30 targets. Her score surpassed the previous Asian record of 24.

China’s Sun Yunong won silver with 26 points, while Kuwait’s Hajar Abdulmalik took bronze with 21. Dhanda had already announced her form by topping qualification with 118 hits out of 125, a Games qualification record.

The victory was significant for Indian shooting on several levels. It was India’s first individual gold medal at the ongoing Asian Games and the country’s first gold in the women’s individual trap event. It also ended a long wait in the discipline, with India’s previous individual trap gold coming through Randhir Singh in 1978.

Dhanda had earlier helped India win silver in the women’s trap team event alongside Aashima Ahlawat and Manisha Keer. The Indian trio accumulated 328 points to finish behind China’s 346, while Kuwait took bronze with 325.

The shooter’s success came only days after she had reportedly been hospitalised because of a serious illness. Despite uncertainty over her participation, she returned to training and maintained her composure in qualification and the final.

President Droupadi Murmu congratulated Dhanda, saying her performance had made the Tiranga fly high in Aichi-Nagoya. India’s medal tally reached 47, including five gold, 21 silver and 21 bronze medals, placing the country 11th in the standings.