Junior Commissioned Officer Neeru Dhanda created history by becoming the first Indian woman to win the Trap gold medal at an ISSF World Cup, claiming the title in Lonato, Italy on last Saturday.
The 26-year-old produced a composed display in the final, hitting 27 targets to clinch her maiden ISSF World Cup gold. Earlier, she had set a new national record in qualification with a score of 121 out of 125, underlining her consistency throughout the competition.
Dhanda edged past former world champion Carole Cormenier of France in the medal rounds to secure the biggest international victory of her career.
Reflecting on the achievement, Dhanda said watching the Indian flag being raised on the podium reinforced her belief that Indian women trap shooters can now compete consistently for medals at the highest level.
“Watching the national flag go up on the podium was an incredible feeling. It made me realise that the world’s best shooters are well within our reach. This gold finally breaks that barrier, and I am confident medals will now come much more consistently for India,” she said.
Dhanda credited her success to staying focused on her own routine despite competing against an experienced field.
“When you compete alongside a world champion, you have to believe you are a champion too. I blocked out everything else and focused completely on my own routine,” she said.
The shooter said her attention would now shift to the national camp, the World Championships and earning an Olympic quota, with the ultimate aim of winning gold at the Los Angeles Olympics.
India’s foreign shotgun coach Peter Wilson praised Dhanda’s progress, describing her victory at last year’s Asian Championships in Shymkent as the turning point in her development.
“Neeru has improved tremendously, and winning in Shymkent gave her the belief that she belongs on the big stage. This gold is a reward for her perseverance,” Wilson said.
Drawing a parallel with British shooting, Wilson said Dhanda’s breakthrough could inspire a new generation of Indian trap shooters.
“Neeru has shown the entire squad that global gold is possible, and we want to use this momentum to push our boundaries,” he added.
Dhanda’s victory adds another significant milestone to India’s growing success in international shotgun shooting and provides a major boost ahead of the upcoming World Championships and the road to the Los Angeles Olympics.
