Archive · 30 Sep 2026
Neeru Dhanda’s Borrowed-Gun Journey Ends in Historic Asian Games Gold
Neeru Dhanda learned shooting using a gun borrowed from a relative’s family.
She first practised by aiming at a tin near a pond in Bhopal.
Later, the Madhya Pradesh State Shooting Academy gave her better equipment and training support.
Before the Asian Games, she became seriously ill and missed a whole training camp.
She said she did not eat for five days and only drank water.
In Nagoya, rain and cold weather made shooting more difficult.
Neeru stayed focused and won a historic individual gold medal for India.
The article’s headline mentions two gold medals, but its detailed account describes one individual shooting gold.
Neeru Dhanda began shooting with a borrowed Indian-made gun and practised with a tin target near a pond in Bhopal.
She received formal support at the Madhya Pradesh State Shooting Academy after being introduced to the sport by her cousin’s family.
Dhanda was hospitalised 10 days before the Asian Games and missed an entire training camp after reportedly going five days without food.
Despite rain, cold weather and disrupted preparation in Nagoya, she won a historic individual shooting gold for India after topping qualification with 95 points.
The headline refers to two gold medals, but the article’s details focus on her individual shooting gold and do not specify a second medal.
- Who
- Indian shooter Neeru Dhanda, supported by coach Mansher Singh and the Madhya Pradesh State Shooting Academy.
- What
- Dhanda won a historic individual shooting gold medal for India at the Asian Games.
- When
- During the 2026 Asian Games, after being hospitalised 10 days before the competition.
- Where
- Nagoya, Japan; she began practising near a pond in Bhopal.
- Why
- She aimed to win for her family, India, the Indian Army and the Madhya Pradesh State Shooting Academy, while inspiring young shooters.
- Athlete
- Neeru Dhanda
- Competition
- 2026 Asian Games
- Location
- Nagoya
- Qualification score
- 95 points
- Preparation setback
- Hospitalised 10 days before the competition and missed an entire training camp
- Early equipment
- A borrowed Indian-made gun and a tin used as a makeshift target
- Dedication
- Indian soldiers and former Asian Games champion Raja Ranjit Singh