Teen Shooter Raiza Dhillon Clinches Silver, Secures India’s 18th Paris Games Quota
In a thrilling display of sporting prowess, 19-year-old Indian shooter Raiza Dhillon clinched a silver medal in the women’s skeet event at the Asia Olympic Qualification for Shotgun, held in Kuwait City. This remarkable feat has earned India its 18th quota place for the forthcoming Paris Games.
Dhillon’s Stellar Performance
Dhillon rose to prominence in the six-woman final, leading the pack at the halfway stage. Although she fell behind after missing a few targets, her second-place finish with a total of 52 hits secured a much-coveted Paris Games quota for India. This performance speaks volumes of Dhillon’s focus, determination, and skill in this precision-demanding sport.
The International Competition
China’s Jinmei Gao clinched the gold medal with a total of 56 hits in the 60-shot final. Dhillon’s compatriot Maheshwari Chauhan claimed the bronze medal with 43 hits, while Ganemat Sekhon finished in fourth place. The competition was intense, with each shot potentially making a difference in the quest for the Olympic quotas.
India’s Shooting Stars
Despite the pressure, Dhillon started strongly, hitting all targets in her first round and maintaining the lead with 14 hits before Gao took over after Dhillon missed two shots. In the qualification round, Sekhon ranked second with a score of 117 and Chauhan third with 115, after winning a shoot-off against Qatar’s Reem Al Sharshani. Dhillon qualified in sixth place, showcasing the strength of India’s shooting contingent.
The competition concluded with Gao maintaining her lead and Dhillon securing the silver medal. This achievement not only underscores the talent of these young sportswomen but also augments India’s standing in the international shooting arena.