For Raiza Dhillon, shooting was never simply about pulling the trigger. It began as a childhood fascination, grew into a serious sporting ambition and eventually took her to the biggest stage in world sport. Now, the 22-year-old is preparing for another milestone: her Asian Games debut in Japan in 2026.
Dhillon has been named in India’s women’s skeet squad alongside Parinaaz Dhaliwal and Maheshwari Chauhan, giving her another opportunity to establish herself among Asia’s leading shotgun shooters. The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has officially included her in the Indian contingent for the 2026 Asian Games.
From a family of guns to a career in shooting
Dhillon’s introduction to shooting came unusually early. Growing up in Haryana, she was familiar with firearms at home and developed an interest in the sport as a child. At the age of 12, she began training under coach Amrinder Singh Cheema.
Her early journey was not restricted to skeet. She initially experimented with the 10m air rifle before moving towards shotgun shooting. The transition proved decisive.
What followed was years of long journeys, demanding training sessions and the financial commitment of her family. Her father, Ravijit Dhillon, played a major role in supporting her career, while Cheema became an important figure in shaping her technique and competitive mindset.
The breakthrough that changed everything
Dhillon announced herself on the international stage in 2024 when she secured India’s first-ever women’s skeet quota for the Olympic Games at the Asian Olympic Qualification competition in Kuwait.
She won silver in the women’s skeet event, finishing behind China’s Jinmei Gao, while Maheshwari Chauhan and Ganemat Sekhon also reached the podium. That performance earned Dhillon a historic place at the Paris Olympics.
At Paris 2024, Dhillon finished 23rd in the women’s skeet qualification with 113, according to her official ISSF profile.
The Olympic experience did not immediately translate into a medal, but it added something equally important: experience at the highest level.
A selection battle decided by consistency
Her road to the 2026 Asian Games was another test of consistency.
During the selection process, Dhillon recorded an average of 114.75, placing her behind Parinaaz Dhaliwal’s 116.5 and ahead of Maheshwari Chauhan’s 113.75. The three shooters ultimately earned their places in India’s women’s skeet team.
The final NRAI squad confirms Dhillon’s selection alongside Dhaliwal and Chauhan.
For Dhillon, the significance goes beyond simply making another major championship. The Asian Games will give her the chance to turn the lessons of Paris into a stronger international performance.
Raiza Dhillon: Key Numbers
Age: 22
Event: Women’s Skeet
Asian Games: 2026, Japan — debut
Paris Olympics 2024: 23rd
Paris qualification score: 113
Asian Games selection average: 114.75
Major breakthrough: India’s first women’s skeet Olympic quota
Paris 2024 qualification achievement: Silver at the Asian Olympic Qualification competition
ISSF World Ranking: 22nd in women’s skeet at the time of the latest available profile
More than a shooter, a product of belief
Dhillon’s story is also a reminder of how much goes into an elite shooting career away from the competition range.
Her parents backed an expensive sport when the outcome was far from guaranteed. Her coach stayed with her through different stages of development. And Dhillon herself had to negotiate setbacks, including missing the Asian Games in the past before returning stronger and eventually earning an Olympic quota.
Now the challenge is different.
She is no longer an unknown teenager trying to prove that she belongs. She is an Olympian entering the Asian Games with international experience, a historic Olympic qualification behind her and a place among India’s leading skeet shooters.
In Japan, every target will carry the weight of that journey. But for Raiza Dhillon, the objective is simple: stay composed, trust the training and make the next shot count.
Raiza Dhillon has been selected to represent India in women’s skeet at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. Her selection follows a strong qualification campaign in which she averaged 114.75, securing her place alongside Parinaaz Dhaliwal and Maheshwari Chauhan.
Her selection adds another major chapter to a career that already includes an Olympic appearance and the historic achievement of securing India’s first women’s skeet Olympic quota.
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