Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday felicitated International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup gold medallists Esha Singh and Naib Subedar Neeru Dhanda, congratulating them on their landmark achievements and assuring continued government support as they prepare for major international competitions, including the 2026 Asian Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Dhanda recently created history at the ISSF World Cup in Lonato, Italy, by becoming the first Indian woman trap shooter to win a gold medal at an ISSF World Cup. Singh, meanwhile, continued her impressive run by clinching the women’s 25m pistol gold medal at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou, China, marking her second World Cup gold in the event this year.
During the felicitation ceremony, Mandaviya reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting India’s shooters through training, infrastructure and financial assistance.
“The Government is pushing hard and leaving no stone unturned to ensure you have everything required to give your best in every tournament. Shooting is one of our priority disciplines and a major medal-winning sport as we look ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, the 2030 Commonwealth Games and beyond. We expect medals from you at the Los Angeles Olympics as well,” the minister said.
He noted that the success of Indian shooters reflects the country’s sustained investment in athlete development through initiatives such as the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), National Centres of Excellence, Khelo India, and scientific coaching support.
Singh is currently part of the TOPS Core Group, while Dhanda is included in the TOPS Development Group. Both athletes have also been beneficiaries of the Khelo India programme.
Dhanda, 26, from Haryana’s Jind district, produced a record-breaking performance in Lonato by registering a new national qualification record of 121 out of 125 before defeating former world champion Carole Cormenier of France in a closely contested final. A Naib Subedar in the Corps of Military Police, she trains at the Indian Army’s Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) in Mhow. Her World Cup triumph follows her gold medal-winning performance at the 2025 Asian Shooting Championships.
Singh, 21, overcame a strong Chinese challenge to win the women’s 25m pistol title in Hangzhou. The reigning Asian Games double silver medallist has enjoyed a rapid rise on the international circuit. Last year, she became the first Indian woman to win a World Championship medal in the women’s 25m pistol after claiming bronze in Doha. Earlier, she had secured her maiden ISSF World Cup title in the 10m air pistol and later won the 25m pistol gold at the Munich World Cup with a world-record score of 43.
Both shooters are now preparing for the 2026 Asian Games, where India will look to build on its recent success in international shooting competitions.
