Asian Games Gold Medalist Neeru Dhanda Gets Hero’s Welcome in Jind; Mother Sends Traditional Churma for PM Modi

Jind: Indian trap shooter Neeru Dhanda, who scripted history by bagging two Gold medals and one Silver medal at the Asian Games, received a rousing reception upon her return to her native village, Sangatpura in Jind. Neeru commenced her homecoming by paying obeisance at the historic Jayanti Devi Temple before leading a grand roadshow to her village, where she was traditionally welcomed with homemade churma by her aunt.

Massive Community Feast for 10,000 People

A grand felicitation event was held at the Sangatpura sports stadium, attended by prominent dignitaries including Haryana Assembly Deputy Speaker Dr. Krishan Middha, Cabinet Minister Ranbir Gangwa, and Minister Mahipal Dhanda. To mark her historic victory, invitations (Chulha Nyot) were extended to families belonging to the Dhanda clan across 95 villages. A grand community feast catered to over 10,000 attendees. According to village representatives, locals collectively contributed ₹10 lakh, backed by open support from community leaders, and set up six committees to oversee the arrangements.

Dinner with PM Narendra Modi

Minister Mahipal Dhanda announced that Asian Games medal winners are scheduled to attend an exclusive dinner with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where Neeru will participate alongside her family. Expressing her joy, Neeru’s mother, Sudesh Devi, shared that she specially prepared traditional Haryanvi churma made from five rotis to be presented to the Prime Minister.

Inspiring Journey of Neeru Dhanda:

• Roots in Kabaddi and Early Hardships: Originally a national-level school kabaddi player, Neeru shifted her focus to shooting despite financial hurdles. In her initial days, she trained using borrowed shotguns, while her family sold milk to afford ammunition.

• Service in the Indian Army: After completing her Bachelor of Arts from a university in Amritsar, her international shooting accolades earned her a direct recruitment as Naib Subedar. Currently, she serves as a Subedar in the Corps of Military Police (CMP).

• Record-Breaking Feat in Japan: At the Asian Games held in Japan, Neeru shot 28 out of 30 targets in the individual women’s trap final, creating a new Asian record and becoming the first Indian woman shooter to secure an individual Asian Games Gold in this category.