Neeru Dhanda break the record, wins India’s first gold medal at ISSF Shotgun World Cup 2026

Indian Shotgun shooter Neeru Dhanda made a history and recorded her name in books of gold medalist shooter. Neeru Dhanda the first Indian woman to win a gold medal in trap shooting at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup 2026 in Lonato, Italy on Saturday.  The 26 years old Naib Subedar Neeru Dhanda of the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) secured a landmark triumph, delivered a competitive and composed performance at the ISSF Shotgun World against world’s leading shooters.

Neeru road to gold medal began well before the final. She broke the national record with a 121/ 125 qualification score before claiming victory. The form carried straight into the eight-women medal round, where she looked assured from the opening targets, staying among the frontrunners and made her way into the top three finalist.

But the gold itself far from formality. Standing between Neeru and title was Olympian Carole Cormenier of France with a reputation of handling a pressure. The contest went down to the final shots, with Neeru and Cormenier locked at 25 hits each. The France Olympian shooter missed one of her final attempts, while Neeru stayed composed to finish with 27 hits and secure the gold medal.

For Neeru the win carries a significance. It was her first individual ISSF World Cup medal and the second World Cup medal of her athlete career. Before this game, she teamed up with Vivaan Kumar to secure the bronze medal at the ISSF World Cup in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The victory also marks India's first individual shotgun medal of the season and the country's first-ever gold in women's trap at the ISSF World Cup.

Neeru Dhanda victory quickly drew praise beyond the shooting world. The former Indian Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan and Kedar Jhadav were among those who congratulated her social media. Shikhar Dhawan writes that “when hard work hits its mark, the medal, too turns in gold.” India’s Foreign Shotgun coach, Peter Wilson, shared their thoughts on Neeru Dhanda performance following the win, reflecting her discipline and preparation behind that breakthrough. “ I want India to dominate the global shotgun circuit, not  just participate,” the words of Peter Wilson.

Neeru Dhanda explained that her mindset was centred entirely on execution rather than reputation of her competitors. “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. It didn’t matter to me who was hitting or missing around me. Nothing is impossible when you stay calm, focused on you game and live in the present.” She added “this medal will gelp me have confidence ahead of the important year, where quota places for the LA games will be on offer. My next goal is to win a medal at the Los Angeles Olympics.”

The ISSF Shotgun World Cup in Lonato concluded on Sunday with the mixed trap event. India get the chance to add one more medal in their records by the Cup victory of Neeru Dhanda. For now, the spotlight remains on Neeru Dhanda, whose gold marks personal milestone but a landmark moment for women shooters in India.