Prime Highlights
- Neeru Dhanda becomes the first Indian woman trap shooter to win gold at an ISSF World Cup, beating former World Champion Carole Cormenier.
- Esha claims her second ISSF World Cup gold of the year in the women’s 25m pistol event in Hangzhou.
Key Facts
- Neeru scores a national record 121 out of 125 in qualification and trains at the Army Marksmanship Unit in Mhow.
- Esha, an Arjuna Awardee and TOPS Core group member, previously won World Championship bronze and a world record gold in Munich.
Background
Union Sports Minister Dr Mandaviya felicitated shooters Esha and Neeru Dhanda for their gold medal wins at the ISSF World Cup. Neeru made history in Lonato, Italy, becoming the first Indian woman trap shooter to win gold at an ISSF World Cup.
She set a national qualification record of 121 out of 125 before beating former World Champion Carole Cormenier of France in the final. Esha won the women’s 25m pistol gold at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou, China, her second World Cup gold of the year in the event, holding off a strong Chinese challenge.
Dr Mandaviya assured both shooters of continued government support and called shooting a top priority discipline for India ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and 2030 Commonwealth Games. He credited their rise to programs like TOPS, Khelo India, and scientific coaching support.
Esha holds Arjuna Award honors and trains under the TOPS Core group, whereas Neeru comes under the TOPS Development group. Hailing from Jind district in Haryana, Neeru serves as a Naib Subedar in the Corps of Military Police and practices at the Army Marksmanship Unit in Mhow.
Esha, the reigning Asian Games double silver medallist, earlier became the first Indian woman to win a World Championship medal in 25m pistol. Both are now preparing for the Asian Games. (ANI)
