New Delhi, August 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
For Raiza Dhillon, shooting began not at a range but at home in Shamgarh, Haryana, where firearms had long been part of her family’s hunting heritage.
Her father introduced her to the sport when she was 12, initially encouraging her to try it simply to see whether her natural familiarity with guns would develop into an interest. A decade later, the 22-year-old Chandigarh-based shooter has earned a place in India’s Asian Games squad and will make her debut in the senior women’s skeet event.
“We always had guns at home. It’s part of our family heritage. My father wanted me to try shooting just for fun, to see if I’d build an interest in it. That’s what really got me started,” Dhillon said.
Her competitive journey began with the 10m air rifle, which was considered more suitable for her at a young age. She moved to shotgun at 16 after her parents and coach felt she was ready to handle the heavier equipment.
“We always wanted to do shotgun, but at that age, the weapon was too heavy for me. My parents and coach thought it wasn’t the right time yet, so I trained on rifle first and got some competition exposure before making the switch,” she said.
Her father, a businessman and agriculturalist, was enthusiastic about her taking up shooting, while her mother, the sarpanch of their village, was initially hesitant about her only child pursuing an outdoor sport. Dhillon’s progress eventually won her over.
“My mom was a bit cautious at the start… But eventually, because I was doing so well and I was so happy, she was happy in my happiness too,” Dhillon said.
Shooting has also transformed Dhillon’s personality. Once an introverted child, she says the sport has strengthened her confidence and changed her outlook on life.
“There’s something about shooting a shotgun that gives you this empowerment. Even after all these years, it still gives me a thrill,” she said.
Her journey has not been without pressure. After securing an Olympic quota in 2024 at the age of 20, Dhillon faced the challenge of defending her place in India’s Paris Olympics squad.
“The stress of competing at the Olympics at such a young age was difficult to cope with. But it was also a learning lesson; it made me a stronger person,” she said.
Dhillon credits her coaches with providing technical guidance and her parents with emotional support through the difficult phases of her career.
She also praised the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) for the structured training environment at national camps, including access to ammunition, clay targets and coaching support.
“The camps NRAI gives us have been a game changer,” she said, adding that pre-tournament camps also provide athletes access to psychologists, therapists and physiotherapists.
Ahead of her first Asian Games, Dhillon is targeting a podium finish but wants to remain focused on enjoying the experience.
“My goal is a podium finish, but just as much, I want to enjoy the experience, because whenever I truly enjoy myself, my performance naturally gets better,” she said.
From a family tradition that first put guns in her hands to an international sporting career built through years of training, Dhillon is now ready to create a legacy of her own.
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