'What could be better than this?' Neeru Dhanda reflects on struggles after third Asian Games medal
Indian shooter Neeru Dhanda reflects on her journey after clinching gold in the trap mixed team event at the Asian Games.
Indian shooting sensation Neeru Dhanda has added another golden chapter to her historic campaign at the Asian Games 2026. Alongside teammate Kynan Chenai, Dhanda displayed immense composure to clinch the gold medal in the trap mixed team event, defeating the top-seeded Qatar duo in a high-stakes final in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
A Historic Triple Medal Haul
This victory marks Dhanda's third medal at the games, cementing her status as one of the most dominant forces in the arena. Her journey through the tournament has been nothing short of legendary:
- Gold Medal: Trap mixed team event (with Kynan Chenai)
- Gold Medal: Individual trap shooting (making history as the first Indian woman to achieve this)
- Silver Medal: Women’s trap team event
The duo's path to the top was a masterclass in consistency. India's scoring surged steadily through the rounds, starting with 6 points in the first series, jumping to 16 in the second, and reaching 26 after the third, before finally hitting a decisive 34 points to secure the gold.
Overcoming Early Struggles
Speaking to ANI after her victory, an emotional Dhanda reflected on the hardships that shaped her character. She credited her resilience to the difficulties she faced during her formative years.
"I believe God gave me the struggles at a young age for a reason. They helped me learn, improve myself and become stronger. I faced struggles right from the beginning, but I was able to work on myself and keep improving. What could be better than this?"
Dhanda admitted that while she has been overwhelmed by congratulatory messages from family and coaches, the greatest reward remains the honor of representing her nation. "I am extremely happy to have won a medal for my country. It is a great feeling, and I feel very lucky," she added.
The Power of a Professional Ecosystem
While Dhanda focused on personal growth, her partner Kynan Chenai highlighted the systemic excellence that allows Indian shooters to thrive on the world stage. Chenai, a veteran with 26 years of experience, emphasized that success is never an individual feat but a product of a massive support network.
Chenai credited the following for India's shooting success:
- The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) for the professional setup.
- Dedicated coaches for technical mastery.
- Physiotherapists for physical readiness.
- Psychologists for mental fortitude.
"It’s a full team effort," Chenai remarked. "The people who support us are the ones who allow us to perform at this level, even at this stage of our careers."