ISSF Shotgun World Cup: Neeru Dhanda Shoots Perfect 75 to Lead Women’s Trap in Lonato

India’s Neeru Dhanda produced a sensational display of precision and composure to emerge as the standout performer on the opening day of the trap competition at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup in Lonato.

The reigning Asian and national champion was flawless through the first three qualification rounds, hitting all 75 targets to sit alone at the top of the 106-shooter women’s field . Her perfect score gave her a two-point cushion over American veteran Rachel Tozier , while Olympic champion Zuzana Rehak Stefecekova of Slovakia was also tied for second on 73.

The 26-year-old Indian, who is part of the country’s squad for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later this year, continued the rich vein of form that had earlier earned her a mixed trap team bronze medal in Almaty. With two qualification rounds still remaining, she has placed herself firmly among the favourites to reach the eight-shooter final.

India, however, had mixed fortunes in the women’s event. Manisha Keer shot 69 to be tied for 17th place, while Aashima Ahlawat managed 61 and was placed well down the standings, leaving both with only an outside chance of advancing.

The men’s trap competition painted a more worrying picture. Ahvar Rizvi scored 70 to be tied for 59th, Shapath Bharadwaj managed 68 for a share of 103rd, and experienced Kynan Chenai shot 67 to be tied for 117th in a massive field of 208 competitors.

With only the Hangzhou World Cup left before the Asian Games, the underwhelming performances of India’s Asian Games-bound men’s trio will be a significant concern for the National Rifle Association of India . Their struggles contrast sharply with the country’s impressive success in the rifle and pistol disciplines this season.

For now, though, India’s hopes in Lonato rest largely on the brilliant shoulders of Neeru Dhanda, whose perfect start has lit up the World Cup stage.