In the chilly, fog-draped atmosphere of the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, the 67th National Shooting Championship witnessed a stellar performance from Raiza that illuminated the day.
Olympian Raiza Dhillon delivered a breathtaking display of skill and precision in the women’s skeet event, breaking records and capturing the nation’s attention.
Raiza’s phenomenal score of 122 in the qualification round not only shattered the national junior qualification record but also matched the senior record, setting the bar higher for her competitors.
Her achievement surpassed Simranpreet Kaur Johal’s junior record of 120, established during the 2018 Jaipur Nationals, and equalled the remarkable effort by Ganemat Sekhon at the ISSF World Cup Final 2024 held in Delhi.
The pressure of the event and the challenging weather conditions seemed to have no impact on Raiza’s focus.
Her impeccable form and unerring accuracy transformed the range into her stage, with each shot resonating with the promise of a bright future for Indian shooting.
The 20-year-old, booked place into both junior and senior finals.
In the junior finals, Raiza Dhillon proved that her record-breaking qualification round was no fluke and the final belonged entirely to her. With a flawless display of skill and focus, she dominated the field, shooting an exceptional 53/60 to claim the gold medal.
Her nearest rival, Vanshika Tiwari from Madhya Pradesh, finished well behind with a score of 47/60, highlighting Raiza’s commanding lead.
Her performance in the junior category was a masterclass in consistency and precision, leaving no doubt about her dominance in the event.
In the senior nationals, the competition was fierce, and Raiza Dhillon (Haryana) faced a tough challenge from seasoned shooters. At the end of 50 shots, Raiza had tallied a respectable 37/50, earning her the bronze medal. However, her competitors from Punjab, Asees Chhina and Ganemat Sekhon, edged ahead with scores of 40/50 and 41/50, respectively.
Raiza’s campaign in the senior finals saw her lose a bit of momentum midway through, missing crucial shots.
This slip gave Asees the opening she needed to stage a comeback and secure the silver, while Ganemat held steady to claim the gold.
Apart from this, Raiza Dhillon, paired with Ishaan Singh, delivered a commendable performance in the mixed skeet event at the National Shooting Championship.
The duo showcased exceptional teamwork and precision during the qualification rounds, shooting an impressive combined score of 141. This stellar effort earned them a spot in the bronze medal match, where they faced Punjab’s formidable pair of Ganemat Sekhon and Abhay Singh Sekhon.
In a tightly contested battle, Raiza and Ishaan fought valiantly but narrowly missed out on the podium, losing 41-44.
Nonetheless, Raiza’s dual triumphs at the 67th National Shooting Championship—a bronze in the senior category and a resounding gold in the junior field—underscore her exceptional talentand ability to shine under pressure.
These results not only reflect her current form but also hint at an even brighter future on the international stage.
