Gold‑winning trap shooter Neeru Dhandha and pistol champion Isha Singh receive official accolades

On Thursday, the Union Minister for Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, presented awards to two Indian shooters who have recently topped the ISSM World Cup podiums. In Lonato, Italy, Neeru Dhandha broke new ground by becoming the first Indian female trap shooter to capture gold. In Hangzhou, China, Isha Singh secured gold in the 25 m pistol event, adding to her growing list of international medals. Mandaviya pledged unwavering backing from the Ministry, stressing that shooting is a cornerstone sport for India’s medal ambitions at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the 2030 Commonwealth Games. He referenced the success of initiatives such as the TOPS core group, National Centres of Excellence and the Khelo India Athlete scheme, both of which have nurtured the two athletes as they gear up for the 2026 Asian Games.