Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth honored Naib Subedar Neeru Dhanda for her groundbreaking achievement of becoming the first Indian woman to win an individual gold medal in the women’s trap event at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup. This historic win took place at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup held in Lonato, Italy, where Dhanda showcased her exceptional talent and composure against some of the world’s top trap shooters.
During the ceremony, General Seth lauded Dhanda’s remarkable skill, determination, and the sporting excellence she displayed throughout the competition. He emphasized her victory as a significant milestone not only for the Indian Army but for the nation as a whole, highlighting the discipline and dedication necessary for success in international shooting.
General Seth commended Dhanda for her ability to remain focused under pressure, which ultimately enabled her to secure a top position on the international podium. He remarked on her inspiring journey, underscoring how her triumph reflects the Indian Army’s commitment to identifying and supporting talented athletes. Her success is seen as a motivating force for young athletes, particularly women in uniform, encouraging them to strive for excellence and represent India on the global stage.
Dhanda’s win has profound implications, showcasing the vital role played by the Army Marksmanship Unit in developing competitive shooters. From the qualification round, Dhanda established her dominance in the women’s trap competition by amassing an impressive score of 121 out of 125 targets, positioning herself amongst the final eight competitors.
In the final round, she maintained her poise, concluding with a score of 27 out of 30 targets. Her impressive performance left her competitors behind, with France’s Carole Cormenier taking silver with 25 hits and Italy’s Erica Sessa earning bronze.
At 26 years old, Dhanda’s victory marks her as the first Indian woman to secure an individual gold medal in trap shooting at an ISSF World Cup, while also breaking a 16-year dry spell for India in this category at the World Cup level. Prior to this, Seema Tomar had won a silver in 2010. The recent win aligns seamlessly with Dhanda’s accolades as the reigning Asian champion, along with her title as the national champion.
Originating from Jind district in Haryana, Dhanda began her journey within the Indian Army as part of the Corps of Military Police, following the recruitment of women personnel. Her shooting talent was honed within the Army Marksmanship Unit at the Infantry School in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. This unit plays a crucial role under the Indian Army’s Mission Olympics programme by training military personnel, para-athletes, and select civilian shooters for national and international competitions.
Neeru’s transition from a soldier to an elite athlete captures the expanding opportunities for women within the Indian Army’s sporting framework. This victory represents a considerable achievement for the Army’s investment in sport, highlighting the longstanding commitment to professional coaching and structured athlete development, yielding significant results.
General Dhiraj Seth’s recognition of Dhanda’s success signifies the hard work and dedication that underpin such historic accomplishments. He noted that her journey exemplifies the values of persistence, dedication, and excellence synonymous with the Indian Army, serving as a beacon of inspiration for future generations of both military and civilian athletes interested in competitive shooting and other Olympic sports.
By standing victorious in Lonato, Dhanda has set a new standard for Indian women in shotgun shooting, further enriching the Indian Army’s sporting legacy. Her achievement serves as a testament to the potential of Indian athletes, supported by institutional backing and unwavering resolve, to prevail on the world stage against formidable opponents.
