The 26-year-old’s path to the top of the podium was far from straightforward. Just ten days before the start of the Games, Dhanda was hospitalised with a suspected case of H1N1 influenza. The illness forced her to miss her entire pre-tournament training camp, leaving her confined to a liquid diet for five days. Despite the physical toll and the lack of preparation, she delivered a composed performance in challenging conditions, battling through rain and lingering fatigue to clinch the title.
A Journey Inspired by Family and Mentorship
Dhanda’s entry into the sport was sparked by the success of her cousin, Lakshya Sheoran, who won a silver medal in trap at the 2018 Asian Games in Palembang. Witnessing the acclaim her cousin received upon his return to Haryana served as the initial catalyst for her own ambitions. She began her journey in 2019 at the MP Shooting Academy in Bhopal, initially using her cousin’s old firearm before gaining access to the academy’s resources.
Reflecting on her development, the Jind district native credited the support of the MP Shooting Academy and the guidance of former sports minister Yashodhara Raje Scindia, who remained in contact with her throughout her preparations. Dhanda also highlighted the essential role played by her coach, Olympian Mansher Singh, whose motivation proved vital during her recent health struggles.
Dedication to the Armed Forces
A Naib Subedar in the Indian Army, Dhanda dedicated her gold medal to the Indian armed forces. She expressed a desire for her performance to serve as a beacon of confidence for junior shooters, proving that commitment can overcome significant hurdles. While she has now added an Asian Games gold to the World Cup title she secured earlier this year, the shooter remains focused on future challenges, viewing these achievements as stepping stones toward her ultimate career goals.
“Hurdles don’t matter when you are committed to win for your family and your country,” Dhanda stated following her victory. Having transitioned from using a basic, local firearm to standing as a continental champion in just seven years, she is now firmly established as one of India’s premier shooting talents.
