At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Indian shooters Maheshwari Chauhan and Raiza Dhillon fell short of making it to the women’s skeet shooting final at the Châteauroux Shooting Centre. Maheshwari finished in 14th place with a total score of 118 across five series, while Raiza placed 23rd with a score of 113. Maheshwari's series scores were 23, 24, 24, 25, and 22, and Raiza's scores were 21, 22, 23, 23, and 24. Despite a strong showing on the first day of qualifications, where Maheshwari ranked eighth with scores of 23, 24, and 24, she could not maintain her position to advance to the final. Raiza, meanwhile, had a total of 66 points from her first day's scores of 21, 22, and 23, placing her 25th among 29 shooters.
Only the top six shooters from the qualification rounds advanced to the final to compete for medals. Among the notable competitors, Italy’s Diana Bacosi, the 2016 Rio Olympic gold medallist, narrowly missed the cut, finishing just below Maheshwari in 15th place with a score of 117. Bacosi's exclusion from the finals was a surprise to many, given her strong track record and prior Olympic success.
The Indian shooting contingent had notable successes elsewhere, with Manu Bhaker winning two bronze medals: one in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol final and another with Sarabjot Singh in the mixed 10m Air Pistol final. Additionally, Swapnil Kusale secured a bronze medal in the Men’s 10m Air Rifle final. These achievements marked the best collective performance by Indian shooters in a single edition of the Olympic Games. Bhaker's precision and consistency were particularly lauded, as she managed to stay calm under pressure and deliver stellar performances.
Despite the disappointment in the skeet event, both Maheshwari Chauhan and Raiza Dhillon have shown potential and will be aiming to improve their performances in future competitions. Their focus now shifts towards preparing for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where they hope to make a significant impact and potentially secure medals for India in the skeet shooting event. Both shooters plan to undergo rigorous training regimes and participate in various international competitions to hone their skills and gain more experience.
In addition to their Olympic endeavors, Maheshwari and Raiza are also expected to inspire and mentor young shooters in India. Their journeys and experiences will undoubtedly serve as motivational stories for upcoming athletes in the country. The support from the National Shooting Federation, coupled with the growing infrastructure and training facilities in India, is expected to play a crucial role in their preparation for future events.
The broader context of their performance at the Paris Olympics also highlights the growing prominence of Indian shooters on the global stage. Over the past few years, Indian shooters have consistently performed well in international competitions, bringing home numerous medals and accolades. This trend is a testament to the hard work of the athletes, coaches, and support staff, as well as the increasing investment in sports infrastructure in India.
As Maheshwari Chauhan and Raiza Dhillon reflect on their Paris 2024 experience, they remain determined to overcome the challenges they faced and strive for excellence. Their dedication and commitment to the sport are evident, and with the right support and preparation, they are poised to achieve greater heights in the years to come. The journey to Los Angeles 2028 begins now, with both athletes setting their sights on redemption and glory on the Olympic stage.
