Asian Games shooting: India women win trap team silver; Neeru into final
Synopsis
India's women's trap shooters claimed silver at the Asian Games 2026 in Nagoya, with Neeru Dhanda also booking a place in the individual final after finishing joint-top in qualification. A day earlier, Esha Singh's shoot-off heartbreak in the 25m pistol added to a pattern of near-gold finishes — India now has 13 shooting medals but just one gold.
Key Takeaways
Neeru Dhanda , Aashima Ahlawat , and Manisha Keer won silver in the women's trap team event at the Asian Games 2026 in Nagoya on 29 September .
India's combined qualifying score was 328 ; China took gold with 346 and Kuwait bronze with 325 .
Neeru Dhanda advanced to the individual final after finishing joint-top in qualification with a score of 118 .
Esha Singh settled for silver in the women's 25m pistol on Monday after losing a shoot-off to China's Xiao Jiaruixuan 3-2 — equalling the Asian Games record in the process.
India's shooting tally stands at 13 medals , with only one gold — from the mixed 10m air pistol event won by Kamaljeet and Suruchi Singh .
India's overall Asian Games tally is 46 medals — 4 gold , 21 silver , 21 bronze .
India's women's trap shooting team of Neeru Dhanda, Aashima Ahlawat, and Manisha Keer claimed the silver medal at the Asian Games 2026 in Nagoya on Tuesday, 29 September, pushing India's overall shooting medal tally to 13. The result came at the Aichi Prefectural General Shooting Gallery, where the trio combined for a qualifying score of 328 over three days of the 125-shot qualification round.
How the Team Event Unfolded
China dominated the team competition, clinching gold with an aggregate of 346. India edged out Kuwait — who finished with 325 — to secure silver, holding off the challenge in a closely contested qualification phase. The result adds another podium finish to India's growing shooting haul at these Games.
Neeru Dhanda Books Individual Final Spot
Neeru Dhanda delivered a standout individual performance, finishing joint-top in qualification with a score of 118 to advance to the individual final. Aashima Ahlawat scored 106 to finish 11th, while Manisha Keer posted 104 to end 16th — both missing the individual final cutoff. Notably, Neeru's joint-top finish signals India's growing depth in trap shooting, an event where the country has historically trailed the Asian elite.
Men's Trio in Action
India's men's trap shooting contingent — Kynan Chenai, Shapath Bharadwaj, and Azhar Rizvi — were simultaneously competing in both the individual trap qualification and the team event, with results awaited.
Esha Singh's Near-Miss on Monday
The silver came a day after Esha Singh narrowly missed gold in the women's 25m pistol event on Monday. Singh and China's Xiao Jiaruixuan were locked at 38 hits after 50 shots — equalling the Asian Games record — forcing a shoot-off. Both hit four of five targets in the first shoot-off before Xiao edged the second 3-2 to claim gold. For Singh, it was a second consecutive Asian Games silver in this event, having also finished runner-up at Hangzhou 2023, where she had contributed to India's team gold alongside Manu Bhaker and Rhythm Sangwan.
India's Shooting and Overall Medal Tally
Of India's 13 shooting medals, only one gold has been secured — from the mixed 10m air pistol event, where Kamaljeet and Suruchi Singh delivered a stellar performance to claim the yellow metal. Overall, India's tally at the ongoing Asian Games stands at 46 medals — four gold, 21 silver, and 21 bronze. With several events still to conclude, India's final count could rise further.
Point of View
Both lost in shoot-offs, underscore a recurring pattern of near-misses at the decisive moment. Neeru Dhanda's individual final qualification is the most significant forward-looking development from Tuesday — a gold there would meaningfully alter the complexion of India's shooting haul. The broader question is whether India's trap and skeet pipeline, historically thinner than its air pistol and air rifle depth, is now maturing into a genuine medal factory or simply benefiting from a weaker field.
NationPress
29 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What medal did India win in women's trap team shooting at the Asian Games 2026?
India won the silver medal in the women's trap team event at the Asian Games 2026 in Nagoya on 29 September. The trio of Neeru Dhanda, Aashima Ahlawat, and Manisha Keer combined for a qualifying score of 328, finishing behind China (346) and ahead of Kuwait (325).
Did Neeru Dhanda qualify for the individual trap final?
Yes, Neeru Dhanda qualified for the individual trap final after finishing joint-top in qualification with a score of 118. Aashima Ahlawat (106) and Manisha Keer (104) missed the individual final cutoff.
What happened with Esha Singh at the Asian Games 2026?
Esha Singh won silver in the women's 25m pistol event on Monday after losing a shoot-off to China's Xiao Jiaruixuan. The two were tied at 38 hits after 50 shots — equalling the Asian Games record — before Xiao edged the second shoot-off 3-2 to claim gold.
How many medals has India won in shooting at the Asian Games 2026?
India has won 13 medals in shooting at the Asian Games 2026, with only one gold — from the mixed 10m air pistol event won by Kamaljeet and Suruchi Singh. The remaining medals are a mix of silver and bronze.
What is India's overall medal tally at the Asian Games 2026?
As of 29 September, India's overall tally at the Asian Games 2026 stands at 46 medals — four gold, 21 silver, and 21 bronze — with several events still to be concluded.
