Asian Games: Neeru Dhanda Completes Golden Double as India Clinch Gold in Mixed Team Trap Event

Nagoya, Sep 30: Neeru Dhanda's remarkable Asian Games campaign reached another high on Wednesday as the Indian shooter added a second gold medal to her haul, teaming up with Kynan Chenai to win the mixed team trap event at the Aichi General Shooting Range.

The 26-year-old had already created history a day earlier by becoming the first Indian woman to win an Asian Games gold in trap shooting. Less than 24 hours later, she returned to the range and produced another memorable performance, joining forces with Chenai to secure the mixed team title.

The Indian pair finished with a record-breaking 34 points, setting an Asian record in the process. Qatar claimed the silver medal with 32 points, while China took bronze with 23.

India's victory was particularly impressive given that the duo had entered the four-team final as the lowest-ranked qualifiers. They had posted 136 in qualification, while China topped the standings with 142, a new qualification Games record.

The Indians, however, saved their best for the final. Neeru endured a difficult opening phase but once again showed the composure that had carried her to gold the previous day. She recovered strongly in the closing stages, while Chenai maintained his consistency to help India finish at the top.

The triumph marked India's third shooting gold medal at the ongoing Asian Games, with the country's shooters now accounting for 15 medals. Overall, it was India's ninth gold medal of the Games.

For Dhanda, the achievement carries even greater significance considering the circumstances surrounding her preparation. The shooter was unable to train during the build-up to the Games after falling ill, making her back-to-back gold medals an extraordinary turnaround.

Her golden run began on Tuesday when she helped India win the women's trap team silver alongside Manisha Keer and Aashima Ahlawat. She then followed it up with an individual historic gold before completing her campaign with another top finish alongside Chenai.