Neeru Dhanda wins women's trap gold at ISSF World Cup in Lonato

India's Neeru Dhanda claimed the women's trap gold medal at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup in Lonato, Italy, on Saturday, securing the country's first individual shotgun medal of the season.

The victory marked Neeru's maiden individual ISSF World Cup medal and the second World Cup medal of her career. Earlier this year, she teamed up with Vivaan Kumar to win bronze in the mixed trap event at the Almaty World Cup.

Neeru entered the final in impressive form after topping the qualification round with a score of 121 out of 125. She carried that momentum into the medal round, progressing comfortably into the final three before overcoming a strong challenge from former world champion and Olympian Carole Cormenier of France.

Neeru holds nerve in tense finish

The gold medal contest went down to the final shots, with Neeru and Cormenier locked at 25 hits each. The French shooter missed one of her final attempts, while Neeru held her composure to finish on top and secure the title.

Italy's Erica Sessa claimed the bronze medal, while Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallist Silvana Stanco endured an early exit from the final after finishing eighth.

India narrowly missed another finalist in the women's trap event as Manisha Keer ended the qualification round in 10th place.

The men's trap competition proved disappointing for the Indian contingent, with none of the shooters advancing to the final. Asian Games medallist Kynan Chenai finished 71st, while Prithviraj Tondaiman, competing for Ranking Points Only (RPO), was the highest-placed Indian in 32nd position.

Earlier in the competition, none of India's skeet shooters, in either the men's or women's events, progressed beyond the qualification stage.

The ISSF Shotgun World Cup in Lonato concludes on Sunday with the mixed trap event.