NAGOYA — The rhythmic sound of shotguns echoing across the Aichi-Nagoya shooting range reached a crescendo on Tuesday, as Neeru Dhanda spearheaded a brilliant tactical effort to secure a silver medal for India in the women’s trap team event at the 2026 Asian Games.
In a display of unwavering focus and high-pressure precision, the Indian trio of Neeru Dhanda, Aashima Ahlawat, and Manisha Keer navigated a grueling qualification round to finish with a combined total of 328 points. While China asserted their dominance at the top of the podium with a formidable score of 346, the Indian team’s silver medal performance underscored the rising consistency of the nation’s trap shooting program on the continental stage.
A Masterclass in Consistency
The cornerstone of the Indian effort was undoubtedly the performance of Neeru Dhanda, who approached the targets with the steady hand of a veteran. Across five intense rounds, Dhanda remained remarkably composed, opening her account with a sharp 24-hit performance. She hit her stride immediately after, firing a perfect 24 in the second round to put the rest of the field on notice.
Despite the mounting pressure, Dhanda maintained her rhythm, recording scores of 24, 23, and 23 in the final three stages. Her total of 118 out of 125 hits not only bolstered the team’s aggregate but placed her in a prime position for the individual honors. Finishing joint-second in the qualification standings, Dhanda was eventually ranked behind Qatar’s Ray Bassil only by a narrow tie-break margin. This result has propelled her into the individual final, setting the stage for what could be a golden conclusion to her campaign in Nagoya.
Supporting Dhanda’s charge, Aashima Ahlawat and Manisha Keer provided essential contributions under testing conditions. Ahlawat, who battled through varying wind conditions on the range, finished with a total of 106 points, while Keer—a veteran of these high-stakes competitions—chipped in with a 104-point haul to ensure the Indian team remained clear of the chasing pack.
Holding off the Competition
The podium race was a high-octane affair, with Kuwait proving to be the primary threat to the Indian silver. As the final rounds progressed, it became a strategic battle of nerves. While the Chinese squad—led by impeccable shooting consistency in every round—stretched their lead, India’s ability to avoid major scoring dips allowed them to ward off the Kuwaiti challenge. Kuwait ultimately took the bronze medal with a total of 328, trailing India by just three points in a dramatic finish that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the final shot was fired.
This result marks a significant moment for Indian shooting, serving as a testament to the depth of talent currently emerging from the national camp. It is the second consecutive time India has secured silver in the women’s trap team event at the Asian Games, matching the milestone achieved by Manisha Keer, Rajeshwari Kumari, and Preeti Rajak at the 2023 Hangzhou Games.
A Growing Legacy in Nagoya
The silver medal acts as a vital contribution to India’s broader success at the Aichi-Nagoya Games. With this podium finish, the Indian shooting contingent has now amassed 13 medals, a haul that serves as a cornerstone of the country’s overall performance. As India’s total medal count climbs to 46, the contribution from the shooting range has become a pivotal narrative in the nation’s sporting trajectory.
“It’s about execution and keeping the mind quiet,” Dhanda remarked briefly after the qualification round, reflecting the mindset that led her to the final. Her ability to compartmentalize the team event while preparing for her individual pursuit has drawn praise from coaches and analysts alike.
Looking Toward the Individual Final
With the team event now finalized and the silver medal secured, the spotlight shifts back to the individual trap final. Having already established herself as one of the most accurate shooters in the qualification pool, Dhanda enters the final round with a legitimate shot at the top of the podium.
The individual final represents more than just another medal opportunity; it is a chance for Dhanda to validate her dominance on the range and cement her status as a premier force in international trap shooting. As the dust settles in Nagoya, the focus for the Indian camp will be on providing Dhanda with the support necessary to carry her form through the final rounds.
If her performance in the team event is any indication, she is more than capable of rising to the occasion. The upcoming individual final will be the ultimate test of her mettle, and the entire nation waits to see if the shooter who propelled her team to silver can now capture individual gold on the biggest stage in Asia.
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