Raiza Dhillon: From Family Heritage to Asian Games Shooting Star

A Unique Beginning in Shooting

Raiza Dhillon's journey into the world of shooting began not at a shooting range but in her family's hunting tradition in Shamgarh, Haryana. Guns have been a part of her family's life for generations. At the age of 12, her father encouraged her to explore shooting as a sport, curious to see if her natural instincts would translate into skill. Fast forward ten years, and the 22-year-old from Chandigarh has been selected to represent India at the upcoming Asian Games, competing in the senior women's skeet event, marking her debut at the Games, as announced by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI).

Transitioning from Hobby to Competitive Shooting

Initially, she started with a 10m air rifle, which was a more manageable option for a young shooter. At 16, she transitioned to shotgun shooting, a move that her parents and coach had anticipated once she was ready for the heavier equipment. "We always aimed for shotgun shooting, but the weapon was too heavy for me at that age. My parents and coach believed it wasn't the right time, so I focused on rifle training first to gain competition experience before switching," Dhillon explained.

Her father, a businessman and farmer, was supportive from the beginning, while her mother, the village sarpanch, was initially hesitant about her commitment to an outdoor sport. However, as Dhillon's talent and enthusiasm became evident, her mother's concerns faded. "My father was thrilled because it was his idea. My mom was cautious at first, worried about the outdoor nature of the sport, but seeing my success and happiness changed her perspective," Dhillon shared.

Building Confidence Through Shooting

Shooting has transformed more than just her performance; it has also reshaped her personality. Once an introverted child, Dhillon credits the sport with boosting her confidence both on and off the range. "Shooting a shotgun empowers me. Even after all these years, it still excites me. It has changed my confidence and my outlook on life," she remarked.

The pressure of competition has been significant. After securing her Olympic quota in 2024 at just 20, she faced the challenge of maintaining her position on the Paris 2024 team, a period she considers one of the most challenging in her young career. "Competing at the Olympics at such a young age was tough, but it taught me valuable lessons and made me stronger," she reflected.

Support System: Coaches and Family

Throughout her journey, Dhillon emphasizes the importance of her support system, which includes both technical guidance from her coaches and emotional support from her family. "My coach assists with the technical aspects; sometimes, as a shooter, you might overlook your mistakes, but an observer can spot them. My parents have always provided emotional support, offering encouragement and a safe space when needed," she explained.

NRAI's Impact on Her Training

Dhillon also acknowledges the structured environment fostered by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) as crucial to her development. "The training camps organized by NRAI have been transformative, providing us with ammunition, clay targets, and expert coaching, allowing us to elevate our shooting skills," she stated.

She highlighted the preparation process for major international events as vital to her readiness for the Games. "NRAI is very professional in preparing us for international competitions. We always have a camp before each tournament, complete with psychologists, therapists, and physiotherapists. This level of discipline and support enables us to perform our best on the international stage," she added.

Looking Forward to the Asian Games

As she gears up for her first Asian Games, Dhillon is focused on remaining present rather than getting ahead of herself. "I'm really excited about my first Asian Games. My goal is to secure a podium finish, but I also want to enjoy the experience because when I truly enjoy myself, my performance improves naturally," she expressed.

Her family provided her with the guns, but everything she has achieved since then is a result of her hard work.