Double History: Neeru-Kynan Secure India's First Asian Games Trap Mixed Gold
Neeru Dhanda and Kynan Chenai create history by winning India's first-ever Asian Games mixed trap team gold and setting a new Games record.
In a breathtaking display of precision and composure, the Indian shooting duo of Neeru Dhanda and Kynan Chenai etched their names into the history books on Wednesday. The pair clinched the gold medal in the mixed trap team event at the ongoing Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, marking India's first-ever gold in this specific category.
Not only did they secure the top spot on the podium, but they also shattered the existing Asian Games record. The duo posted an impressive score of 34, comfortably surpassing the previous record of 30 that had been set by Qatar earlier this year.
A Record-Breaking Performance
The competition was fierce, but the Indian pair's dominance was undeniable. The final standings for the mixed trap team event were as follows:
- Gold: India (34)
- Silver: Qatar (32)
- Bronze: China (23)
This victory adds to a stellar run for the Indian shooting contingent. As of now, the shooters have amassed a total of 15 medals, consisting of three golds, eight silvers, and four bronzes.
Neeru Dhanda: The Golden Girl of Indian Shooting
For Neeru Dhanda, this gold is a continuation of a historic week. Just a day prior, she made headlines by becoming the first Indian woman to win an individual Asian Games gold medal in trap shooting. Despite challenging rainy conditions, she maintained her focus to score 26 in the eight-shooter final, leaving competitors from China and Kuwait behind.
Neeru's dominance has been consistent throughout the Games:
- Individual Gold: Set an Asian record during the qualification round by missing only two shots out of 30.
- Team Silver: Earlier on Tuesday, she helped the Indian women's trap team (alongside Aashima Ahlawat and Manisha Keer) secure a silver medal.
India's Growing Medal Tally
The mixed trap gold marks India's ninth gold medal at these Asian Games. The nation's overall medal count has now reached 56, comprising nine golds, 21 silvers, and 26 bronzes.
The day was filled with sporting excellence across various disciplines:
Archery Dominance
The Indian women's compound team—comprising Jyothi Vennam, Chikitha Taniparthi, and Prithika Pradeep—clinched gold after a high-stakes battle against China, winning 238-234. In a separate thrilling feat, Chikitha Taniparthi and Sahil Jadhav secured their spot for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics by winning the compound mixed team event.
Boxing Update
In the boxing ring, Commonwealth Games gold medalist Priya Ghanghas fought valiantly in the women's 60 kg category. However, she had to settle for a bronze medal after a tough semifinal loss to China's Yang Chengyu.