In the world of shooting, not everyone inherits the passion from their family. Raiza Dhillon, a 19-year-old shooter from Chandigarh, breaks the stereotype. She is the first Indian female skeet shooter to earn a quota for the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking a significant milestone in her shooting journey that began within the walls of her family home.
Raiza hails from Shamgarh, a village in Haryana’s Karnal district, where her family held a unique position. Her grandfather served as the chairman of the Zila Parishad, and her mother is the village Sarpanch. Interestingly, the Dhillon household housed twenty guns, primarily used for trophy hunting.
Fascinated by the presence of those guns in her home, Raiza expressed her interest in trying one out. Her father, Ravijit Dhillon, supported her enthusiasm, even though her mother initially had reservations. This marked the beginning of Raiza’s journey into the world of shooting.
Recognizing Raiza’s talent, Ravijit Dhillon sought a competent coach, leading them to Amrinder Singh Cheema. A four-time national medallist with Olympic aspirations himself, Amrinder became Raiza’s mentor and guided her through the early stages of her shooting career.
Raiza’s training
Raiza’s initial training involved a four-hour round trip from Panchkula to Patiala, where she practiced with an air rifle to master the basics of shooting. Her determination led her to transition to a shotgun within a year, a rare choice for female shooters in Patiala.
Despite her rapid progress in shooting, Raiza faced financial challenges. Shotgun shooting comes with high costs, including a Rs 10 lakh gun, shooting gear worth around Rs 1.50 lakh, and an annual expenditure of Rs 9 lakh on cartridges. Ravijit Dhillon, undeterred by the expenses, supported his daughter’s passion.
About a year and a half ago, Raiza’s entry into the Sports Authority of India’s (SAI) National Centre of Excellence provided relief from financial stress. This support allowed her to focus more on her training and pursue her dream without worrying about the financial burden.
COVID-19 Impact:
Raiza’s shooting career faced a setback due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A tournament she had prepared for in Bhopal was canceled due to lockdown, leaving the then 16-year-old shooter devastated. The pandemic disrupted her growth trajectory, posing unexpected challenges.
An additional challenge arose when Raiza trained under Italy’s Olympic gold medallist, Ennio Falco, after her coach Amrinder Singh Cheema’s contract ended. However, the coaching dynamics didn’t align, and Raiza struggled to adapt, missing out on an Asian Games slot. Eventually, she returned to Amrinder for guidance.
Achievements:
Raiza’s perseverance paid off with a gold medal at the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in Kuwait. This victory secured her the much-coveted Olympics quota, making her the first Indian female skeet shooter to achieve this feat. She currently holds the top rank among Indian women in skeet shooting.
Focus on Enjoying the Sport:
Despite earning the Olympic quota, Raiza remains humble. The journey to Paris is not confirmed yet, pending participation in trials organized by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI). Amrinder Singh Cheema expresses confidence in Raiza’s potential but emphasizes the importance of enjoying the sport over medal expectations.
Amrinder appeals for support, highlighting the challenges faced by shooters in gaining recognition and financial backing. He urges people to recognize the talent in India and support aspiring athletes, emphasizing the potential for India to shine in shotgun events at the Olympics.
Positive takeaway
Raiza Dhillon’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the unwavering support of her family. From growing up surrounded by guns in a Haryana village to becoming India’s first female skeet shooter with an Olympic quota, Raiza’s journey is an inspiration.
As she continues to face challenges and uncertainties, her focus on enjoying the sport and her coach’s plea for support underline the broader issues that Indian shooters encounter on their path to international recognition.
