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Neeru Dhanda has made history as the first Indian woman to secure an individual gold medal in the women's trap event at the ISSF World Cup held in Lonato, Italy. The 26-year-old athlete attributes her success to a fearless mindset and strong self-belief as she now prepares for upcoming challenges, including the Asian Games, World Championship, and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

A Remarkable Performance

In the final, Dhanda showcased remarkable composure, achieving 27 hits out of 30. She narrowly defeated former world champion Carole Cormenier from France after both were tied at 25 before the last two shots. Earlier, she had set a national record in qualification with a score of 121 out of 125, marking a significant milestone in her career.

Reflections on Her Victory

Dhanda expressed that this victory is monumental not only for her but also for Indian shotgun shooting. "This day was special for the entire Indian shooting team and for India, especially for my family, the Indian Army, and the various institutions that supported me," she stated. She also acknowledged her coaches and support staff for their crucial role in her success.

Overcoming Past Challenges

Having missed the finals in her previous three World Cup appearances, Dhanda found this breakthrough particularly rewarding. "I felt I had to achieve this; overcoming that barrier has boosted my confidence immensely. I am grateful for this day," she remarked.

Mindset and Strategy for Success

Training under foreign coach and Olympic gold medalist Peter Wilson, along with High-Performance Manager Mansher Singh, Dhanda emphasized the importance of confidence over nerves during the final. "I approached it with the mindset that I am a champion. When my name was announced, I mentally prepared myself for victory," she explained.

A Message to Future Athletes

Inspiring aspiring athletes, Dhanda encouraged them to persist regardless of their circumstances. "No matter where you are, whether winning or losing, you must fight strongly and never give up," she advised.

An Inspiring Background

Dhanda's journey is a testament to perseverance. Coming from a middle-class family, her interest in shooting was sparked by watching her cousin win a silver medal at the 2018 Asian Games. Her family relocated from Jind in Haryana to Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh over a decade ago, and she credits various organizations for their support in her development.

Future Aspirations

Looking forward, Dhanda is focused on upcoming competitions, including the Asian Games where she will compete in three events: team, individual, and mixed team. She aims to secure a quota and a gold medal at the World Championship in November, with her ultimate goal being the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

Upcoming Competitions

The ISSF World Championship is scheduled to take place in Doha, Qatar, from November 1 to 14, while the shotgun events at the Asian Games will occur in September in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.