India Sports Minister Felicitates ISSF World Cup Gold Medallists Esha Singh and Neeru Dhanda, Backs Olympic Ambitions

Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, on Thursday felicitated Indian shooters Esha Singh and Naib Subedar Neeru Dhanda for their gold medal-winning performances at the ISSF World Cup 2026, applauding their achievements and reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting India’s elite shooters.

Neeru Dhanda created history at the ISSF World Cup in Lonato, Italy, by becoming the first Indian woman trap shooter to win a World Cup gold medal. Esha Singh, meanwhile, continued her impressive run on the international stage by securing the women’s 25m pistol gold at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou, China, marking her second World Cup title of the year in the event.

Congratulating the two athletes, Dr. Mandaviya assured them of continued assistance through government-backed high-performance programmes. He emphasised that shooting remains one of India’s strongest medal prospects for major multi-sport events, including the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics and the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

“The Government is making every effort to ensure our athletes receive the best possible support. Shooting is among our priority sports, and we hope to see many more medals from you, especially at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics,” the Minister said.

Highlighting India’s investment in athlete development, Dr. Mandaviya credited initiatives such as the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), Khelo India, National Centres of Excellence and scientific coaching systems for nurturing world-class talent. Esha is currently a member of the TOPS Core Group, while Neeru is part of the TOPS Development Group. Both shooters have also benefited from the Khelo India programme and are now preparing for the 2026 Asian Games.

The 26-year-old Neeru, from Haryana’s Jind district, also set a new national qualification record with a score of 121 out of 125 before overcoming former world champion Carole Cormenier of France in a gripping final. Serving as a Naib Subedar in the Corps of Military Police, she trains at the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) in Mhow. Her latest triumph adds to the gold medal she won at the 2025 Asian Shooting Championships.

Esha, the reigning Asian Games double silver medallist, showcased remarkable composure in Hangzhou by defeating a strong Chinese field to claim gold. The 21-year-old has rapidly established herself among the world’s top pistol shooters, having won a bronze medal in the women’s 25m pistol at the World Championships in Doha last year-the first Indian woman to achieve the feat. She had earlier claimed her maiden ISSF World Cup title in the 10m air pistol before setting a world record score of 43 to win the 25m pistol gold at the Munich World Cup.