Mhow
Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth today felicitated Naib Subedar Neeru Dhanda of the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) for her landmark achievement at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup 2026 in Lonato, Italy. Dhanda became the first Indian woman to win an individual gold medal in the Women’s Trap event, marking a significant milestone for Indian shooting sports.
Keywords: Neeru Dhanda Gold Medal, ISSF Shotgun World Cup Lonato, Naib Subedar Neeru Dhanda, General Dhiraj Seth COAS, Indian Army Marksmanship Unit, Women’s Trap Shooting India, First Indian Woman Trap Gold
Competing against a formidable international field that included former world champions and Olympic medallists, the 26-year-old shooter, a native of Haryana delivered a stellar performance. She posted a national record-breaking qualification score of 121/125 before clinching gold with a composed 27/30 in the final, edging out France’s Carole Cormenier. It further stated that General Seth lauded Dhanda’s exceptional skill, unwavering determination, and sporting excellence, describing her success as a proud moment for the Indian Army and the nation. “Her inspiring journey reflects the Army’s enduring commitment to nurturing talent and motivating future generations to excel on the global stage,” Gen Seth remarked during the felicitation ceremony.
Hailing from Jind district, Naib Subedar Dhanda joined the Corps of Military Police and honed her abilities at the prestigious AMU in Mhow. Her triumph not only underscores the growing prowess of Indian women shooters but also highlights the critical role of disciplined military training in producing world-class athletes.
This victory adds fresh momentum to India’s aspirations in international shotgun events and serves as a powerful inspiration for young sportspersons across the country. Sports observers and the shooting fraternity told Defence Chronicle that the AMU has started shining again in the arena of shooting after its command was taken over by Col C Naren Babu.
The first lifetime achievement awardee in Shooting Nawab Shafat Ali Khan hailed the outstanding performance of the woman shooter and said, “This will go a long way in encouraging India’s young talented girls to bring a name for the country.”
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.