“We Always Had Guns at Home”: Raiza Dhillon Carries Family Legacy to Asian Games Debut

New Delhi, August 14: Raiza Dhillon's journey in shooting began at home, where guns were part of her family's hunting heritage in Shamgarh, Haryana. Encouraged by her father to try the sport at 12, Dhillon discovered an early passion that has now taken her to the Asian Games.

The 22-year-old Chandigarh-based shooter has been selected for India's squad in the senior women's skeet event and is set to make her Asian Games debut.

"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.

She initially trained in 10m air rifle before switching to shotgun at 16. Her parents and coach had decided that rifle was more suitable when she was younger, allowing her to gain competition experience before moving to the heavier shotgun discipline.

Dhillon credits shooting with transforming her confidence and personality. She also had to deal with immense pressure after securing an Olympic quota in 2024 at just 20, describing the experience of competing for a place in the Paris Games team as one of the toughest phases 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.

Her family and coaches have remained central to her progress, while Dhillon also praised the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) for providing structured camps, equipment and specialist support.

"The camps NRAI gives us have been a game changer; the ammunition, the clay targets, the coaches, it's allowed all of us to really push our shooting and give it our best," she said.

Ahead of her Asian Games debut, Dhillon has set her sights on a podium finish while stressing the importance of enjoying the experience.

"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.