Raiza Dhillon: From Family Heritage to Asian Games Shooting Star

Raiza Dhillon's Journey into Shooting

Raiza Dhillon's introduction to the world of shooting originated not from a formal range but from her family's longstanding hunting traditions in Shamgarh, Haryana. Growing up surrounded by firearms, her father encouraged her to explore the sport at the age of 12, eager to see if her natural instincts would translate into skill.

Fast forward a decade, and the 22-year-old from Chandigarh has secured a spot on India's team for the upcoming Asian Games, where she will participate in the senior women's skeet event, marking her debut at this prestigious competition, as announced by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI).

Dhillon shared, "Guns have always been part of our family. My father suggested I try shooting for fun to see if I would develop an interest. That was the spark that ignited my journey."

She began her shooting career with a 10m air rifle, which was a more suitable option for her age. At 16, she transitioned to shotgun shooting, a move that her parents and coach had anticipated once she was ready to handle the heavier equipment.

Reflecting on her early days, Dhillon noted, "We always intended to pursue shotgun shooting, but it was too heavy for me at that age. My parents and coach decided it was best to start with the rifle and gain some competition experience before making the switch."

Her father, a businessman and farmer, was supportive from the beginning, while her mother, the village sarpanch, initially had reservations about her only child dedicating herself to an outdoor sport full-time. However, as Dhillon's talent and enthusiasm became evident, her mother's perspective shifted.

Dhillon remarked, "My father was thrilled because it was his idea. My mom was cautious at first, worried about the outdoor nature of the sport. But as I excelled and found joy in it, she became supportive of my passion."

The sport has transformed more than just her competitive record. Once an introverted child, Dhillon credits shooting with enhancing her confidence and changing her outlook on life.

She expressed, "Shooting a shotgun empowers me. Even after all these years, it still excites me. It has significantly boosted my confidence and altered my approach to life."

However, this journey has not been without its challenges. After securing her Olympic quota for 2024 at just 20, Dhillon faced immense pressure to maintain her position on the Paris 2024 team, a period she considers one of the most challenging in her career.

She shared, "Competing at the Olympics at such a young age was tough to manage. Yet, it was a valuable learning experience that strengthened me."

Throughout her journey, Dhillon emphasizes the importance of her support system, which includes technical guidance from her coaches and emotional backing from her family.

She explained, "My coach assists with the technical aspects; sometimes, you can't see your own mistakes, but an observer can. My parents have always provided emotional support, offering both encouragement and a safe space when needed."

Dhillon also acknowledges the structured environment created by the NRAI, which has helped her elevate her performance standards.

She stated, "The training camps organized by the NRAI have been transformative, providing us with ammunition, clay targets, and expert coaching, enabling us to push our limits and excel in shooting."

She highlighted the preparation process for major international competitions as crucial for her readiness for the Games.

Dhillon noted, "The NRAI is very professional in preparing us for international events. We have comprehensive camps before each tournament, complete with psychologists, therapists, and physiotherapists. This level of discipline and support is what empowers us to perform our best abroad."

As she gears up for her first Asian Games, Dhillon is focused on remaining present rather than getting ahead of herself.

She said, "This is my first Asian Games, and I am genuinely excited. My aim is to finish on the podium, but equally, I want to savor the experience because when I enjoy myself, my performance tends to improve naturally."

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