What Neeru Dhanda's world cup gold means for India's medal chances at Asiad
Coach Mansher Singh says the gold medal will not only boost Neeru's confidence but rub off on her Asian Games teammates
Neeru is in the Indian shooting squad for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan in September. What does the world cup gold medal mean for India’s medal chances at the Asiad? “The world cup gold medal adds to Neeru’s confidence. She will head to the Asian Games as a favourite to win a medal. It will also have a huge positive effect on her teammates,” said Mansher Singh, a former Olympian who has been recruited by the Indian Army as Neeru’s personal coach.
Singh said the competitive standards at the World Cup in Lonato are higher than in the Asian Games, possibly even comparable to the Olympics since all top shooters compete in Lonato.
Neeru defeated France’s Carole Cormenier, a former world champion. With 27/30 hits, she was placed above Cormenier, who scored 25/30. Bronze medallist Erica Sessa of Italy scored 19/30.
Neeru serves in the Indian Army as a naib subedar. She is a Khelo India athlete and part of the National Centres of Excellence set-up. A native of Haryana, Neeru took up shooting on being inspired by Asian Games medallist Lakshay Sheoran, who hails from the same area as her. Initially, Neeru practised in Delhi. She took part in a talent search organised by the Madhya Pradesh Shooting Academy in 2019 and was recruited by it. She trains in both Delhi and Bhopal.
Besides Neeru, another shooter from Bhopal, Manisha Keer, and Ashima Ahlawat are part of the Indian women’s shotgun shooting squad for the Asiad. Neeru is likely to face competition from Chinese, Korean and Taiwanese shooters. “Neeru is mentally strong and unrelenting. She doesn’t give up easily. These traits set her apart,” said coach Singh.
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Neeru is in the Indian shooting squad for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan in September. What does the world cup gold medal mean for India’s medal chances at the Asiad? “The world cup gold medal adds to Neeru’s confidence. She will head to the Asian Games as a favourite to win a medal. It will also have a huge positive effect on her teammates,” said Mansher Singh, a former Olympian who has been recruited by the Indian Army as Neeru’s personal coach.
Singh said the competitive standards at the World Cup in Lonato are higher than in the Asian Games, possibly even comparable to the Olympics since all top shooters compete in Lonato.
Neeru defeated France’s Carole Cormenier, a former world champion. With 27/30 hits, she was placed above Cormenier, who scored 25/30. Bronze medallist Erica Sessa of Italy scored 19/30.
Neeru serves in the Indian Army as a naib subedar. She is a Khelo India athlete and part of the National Centres of Excellence set-up. A native of Haryana, Neeru took up shooting on being inspired by Asian Games medallist Lakshay Sheoran, who hails from the same area as her. Initially, Neeru practised in Delhi. She took part in a talent search organised by the Madhya Pradesh Shooting Academy in 2019 and was recruited by it. She trains in both Delhi and Bhopal.
Besides Neeru, another shooter from Bhopal, Manisha Keer, and Ashima Ahlawat are part of the Indian women’s shotgun shooting squad for the Asiad. Neeru is likely to face competition from Chinese, Korean and Taiwanese shooters. “Neeru is mentally strong and unrelenting. She doesn’t give up easily. These traits set her apart,” said coach Singh.
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