In a remarkable display of skill and composure, 21-year-old Raiza Dhillon from Panchkula has clinched the women's skeet gold medal at the prestigious 68th National Shooting Championship. This victory marks a significant milestone as it is her first national title in the senior category, cementing her steady ascent in Indian shooting.
From Junior Prodigy to Senior Champion
The triumph adds a senior crown to Raiza's already impressive record as a three-time junior national champion. In a tightly contested final, she shot an impressive score of 56, narrowly edging out her opponent from Rajasthan, Yashasvi Rathore, who scored 55. Punjab's Ganemat Sekhon finished third with a score of 45.
Raiza's journey into shooting began at the tender age of 12, initially with the 10m rifle discipline. She made the switch to skeet at 16, guided by her father who introduced her to the sport. After experimenting with multiple shooting disciplines, she found her true calling in skeet. Balancing her athletic pursuits with academics, Raiza is currently enrolled in the BA Psychology programme at MCM DAV College for Women in Chandigarh, affiliated with Panjab University.
The Road to Gold: Discipline and Dedication
This senior national title follows a season of strong performances. In the previous nationals, Raiza had already showcased her potential by breaking the national record with a score of 122 out of 125. She emphasized that the senior nationals demand unwavering consistency through every round, leaving little room for error.
One of the most formative experiences of her young career was the rigorous selection process for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Raiza credits this challenging period for contributing substantially to her growth as a shooter, particularly in strengthening her mental approach to high-pressure competition.
Her daily regimen involves three to four hours of intensive training, which blends technical work with pressure-based drills. Recognizing the physical demands of her sport—where the shotgun weighs approximately eight kilograms—she also follows a dedicated physical conditioning programme to build the necessary endurance and strength for long sessions.
A Support System for Success
Raiza readily acknowledges the pivotal role of support in her journey. She credits her parents for their unwavering encouragement and highlights the institutional backing she has received. Key support has come through programmes run by Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ), Indian Oil, and Khelo India initiatives like the National Centre of Excellence and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
Alongside her shooting career, Raiza continues to prioritize her education. She notes that her interest in academics, coupled with supportive university policies, has been crucial in maintaining a balance between studies and training. Reflecting on her path, the budding shooter states that setbacks have been instrumental, teaching her patience, accountability, and the value of sustained effort.
For inspiration, she looks up to world-class shooters like Vincent Hancock and Samantha Simonton, admiring their overall approach to the sport. Looking forward, Raiza's focus is firmly set on improving her average scores and gearing up for a series of national-level tournaments scheduled for January. Her gold medal at the senior nationals is not just a victory, but a promising sign of more accolades to come for this dedicated athlete from Panchkula.
