India added another significant accolade to its shooting tally at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 as the women's trap trio of Aashima Ahlawat, Manisha Keer, and Neeru Dhanda secured the silver medal. Displaying steady focus and coordination across every stage of the team contest, the three athletes held off stiff regional competition to secure a podium finish for the nation.
Solid Accuracy Secures Podium Finish
The women's trap team competition demanded sharp reflexes and steady nerves across successive series of targets. Ahlawat, Keer, and Dhanda demonstrated remarkable composure, maintaining high break rates and backing each other up through every sequence. Their combined tally ensured India stayed within medal contention from the opening stages right through to the decisive rounds, sealing silver.
Neeru Dhanda Extends Stellar Season Run
A key pillar of the team's strong showing was Naib Subedar Neeru Dhanda from the Army Marksmanship Unit, who arrived at the continental showpiece in red-hot form. Earlier in the year, Dhanda scripted history in Lonato by winning India's first-ever individual women's trap gold medal at an ISSF World Cup. She carried that momentum forward from previous successes, including gold at the Asian Shooting Championship where teammate Aashima Ahlawat also earned silver, once again translating her international experience into a continental medal.
Yogi Adityanath Applauds the Shooting Trio
Acknowledging the achievement on social media platform X, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath lauded the three athletes for their precision, calm demeanor, and teamwork. In his public message, he wrote,
"Another medal for India in Shooting! Congratulations to Neeru, Aashima Ahlawat and Manisha Keer on winning the Silver Medal in the Women’s Trap Team event at the Asian Games 2026. A fine display of precision, composure and teamwork. Jai Hind!"
Public Reaction
Online sports fans responded with enthusiastic praise for the shooters' dedication and podium finish, while several citizens also used the platform's comments to raise domestic administrative concerns regarding state governance and census enumeration.
