Shooter Raiza Dhillon, 22, has earned selection to India's squad for the upcoming Asian Games, where she will compete in the senior women's skeet event — her first appearance at the continental showpiece. The Chandigarh-based athlete's path to the Games traces back not to a shooting range, but to a family heritage rooted in hunting in Shamgarh, Haryana, where firearms were a fixture of daily life across generations.

A Heritage That Loaded the First Shot

'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 father, a businessman and agriculturalist, introduced her to the sport formally at age 12, curious whether an instinct honed through family tradition would hold up in competitive conditions. It did.

Dhillon began with a 10m air rifle — a lighter, more manageable starting point. At 16, she made the planned transition to shotgun, a move her parents and coach had mapped out once she was physically ready for 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,' she said.

Family Support: Enthusiasm and Caution in Equal Measure

Her father backed the venture from day one — it was, after all, his idea. Her mother, the sarpanch of their village, was more measured initially, reluctant to see her only child commit full-time to an outdoor sport. That hesitation gave way as Dhillon's results and evident joy made the case for her. '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.

From Introvert to Asian Games Contender

The sport did more than build a career — it rebuilt the person. A self-described introvert as a child, Dhillon credits competitive shooting with reshaping her confidence and outlook. 'There's something about shooting a shotgun that gives you this empowerment. Even after all these years, it still gives me a thrill. It's changed my confidence and my whole approach to life,' she said.

That confidence was stress-tested early. After winning her Olympic quota in 2024 at just 20 years old, she had to fight to hold her place on the Paris 2024 team — a period she now counts among the most demanding of her career. '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.

NRAI's Role in Raising the Bar

Dhillon credits the structured support environment built by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) as a significant factor in her development. 'The camps NRAI gives us have been a game changer — the ammunition, the clay targets, the coaches, it's given all of us the opportunity to really push our shooting,' she said.

She highlighted the pre-competition preparation model in particular, which includes a full support team of psychologists, therapists, and physios. 'NRAI is very professional when it comes to preparing us before international competitions. That level of discipline and support is what allows us to give our best abroad,' Dhillon said.

Eyes on the Podium in Her Asian Games Debut

As she readies for her first Asian Games, Dhillon says her approach is grounded in presence over pressure. 'This is my first Asian Games, and I'm really excited. 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. The NRAI and India's shooting fraternity will be watching closely as the 22-year-old steps onto the continental stage for the first time.