Asian Games 2026: Neeru-Kynan qualify for mixed trap team final
Asian Games 2026: Neeru Dhanda and Kynan Cheani qualify for the mixed trap team final in Japan after a strong performance.
Indian shooting sensation Neeru Dhanda and Kynan Cheani have successfully secured their spots in the final of the mixed trap team event at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. On Wednesday, the duo displayed impressive skill to advance to the four-team championship round.
The pair finished the qualification stage with a total score of 136. While they have marched into the final, they currently sit behind the powerhouse teams from China, Qatar, and Iran. The highly anticipated title clash is scheduled to take place at 11 AM IST.
Neeru Dhanda's Historic Gold Rush
This qualification follows an extraordinary run by Neeru Dhanda, who has been the standout performer for India in the shooting arena. Just a day prior, Neeru made history by clinching the women's individual trap gold medal, marking a monumental achievement for Indian shooting.
Her victory was particularly remarkable due to the following:
- First of its kind: She became the first Indian woman to win an individual Asian Games gold medal in trap shooting.
- Asian Record: On her Games debut, she set a new Asian record during the qualification round, missing only two shots out of 30 to finish with a score of 28.
- Composure under pressure: Despite challenging rainy conditions, she maintained her focus to score 26 points in the eight-shooter final.
In the individual final, Neeru outperformed China's Sun Yunong and Kuwait's Hajar Abdulmalik, who both finished with 21 points, while Qatar's Ray Bassil secured fourth place with 16 points.
A Stellar Team Performance
Neeru's success in the individual category was preceded by a strong showing in the women's trap team event. Alongside teammates Aashima Ahlawat and Manisha Keer, Neeru helped India secure a silver medal. The Indian trio finished with 328 points, trailing the gold-winning Chinese team (346 points) but narrowly beating Kuwait (325 points) for the podium spot. Neeru was the driving force in this event, contributing a massive 118 out of 125 points.
India's Growing Medal Tally
India's momentum at the Aichi-Nagoya Games has been bolstered by clinical performances across multiple disciplines. Earlier in the competition, the Indian archers delivered a masterclass, defeating China 238-234 in a tense title clash. This victory saw Jyothi Surekha Vennam claim her fourth Asian Games gold, while Chikitha Taniparthi and Prithika Pradeep secured their first Asiad gold.
As it stands, India's medal tally has reached 53 medals, consisting of:
- 7 Gold medals
- 21 Silver medals
- 25 Bronze medals