From Heartbreak to Glory: Parinaaz Dhaliwal Reflects on Double Bronze at Asian Games 2026
From individual heartbreak to double bronze glory, skeet shooter Parinaaz Dhaliwal reflects on her historic Asian Games 2026 campaign.
For Indian skeet shooter Parinaaz Dhaliwal, the Asian Games 2026 was a rollercoaster of emotions that swung from the heights of historic achievement to the depths of individual disappointment, before ultimately ending on a triumphant high.
The young marksman returned to India carrying two bronze medals, a feat that transformed a campaign marked by "what ifs" into a landmark success for her career and for Indian shooting.
A Historic Start for the Women's Team
Dhaliwal’s journey began with a moment of pure history. Alongside teammates Raiza Dhillon and Maheshwari Chauhan, she helped secure India’s first-ever Asian Games medal in the women’s skeet team event. The trio displayed incredible synergy to finish third with a combined score of 331.
The scoring breakdown revealed the strength of the unit:
- Parinaaz Dhaliwal: 111 points
- Raiza Dhillon: 111 points
- Maheshwari Chauhan: 109 points
Overcoming Individual Disappointment
However, the momentum was momentarily halted during the individual skeet event. After a strong qualification round where she hit 111 out of 125 targets, Dhaliwal entered the final with high expectations. Unfortunately, the final proved difficult; she managed only eight hits, resulting in an eighth-place finish and missing out on an individual podium spot.
Rather than letting the setback define her, Dhaliwal used the failure as a tactical lesson. “I missed out on an individual medal in my final, and I just knew, before my mixed team, what the mistakes I made in my individual final were,” she told ANI. “I just hope I don't repeat the same thing.”
Mixed Team Bronze: A Tie-Break Triumph
That mental reset paid off in the mixed team event. Partnering with Anantjeet Singh Naruka, Dhaliwal fought through the pressure to secure another bronze. The duo finished with 44 hits across six series, placing them in a tense standoff with South Korea.
In a dramatic conclusion, India and South Korea were tied at 44 hits. However, under the competition rules, India was awarded the bronze medal based on their superior qualification ranking. While China took the gold with a world-record 52 hits and South Korea claimed silver with 51, Dhaliwal remained undeterred by the narrow margins. “We gave our best even though our score was the same as the silver medalists... nevertheless we were just happy and blessed,” she said.
A Hero's Welcome and a Message to Future Stars
The homecoming was as intense as the competition. Arriving at Delhi airport, Dhaliwal described feeling "overwhelmed" by the grand reception she received. “I've never experienced such a grand welcome. And yes, I'm back home with two medals,” she remarked.
Looking toward the future, Dhaliwal shared a poignant message for aspiring female athletes, emphasizing the grit required to reach the Olympic stage. She noted that success requires fighting through physical and mental discomfort, regardless of the weather or external distractions.
The Road Ahead: Doha and Los Angeles
After taking a brief period to unwind with her family, Dhaliwal’s eyes are already set on the next major milestone. She is set to begin intensive preparations for the ISSF World Championship in Doha, Qatar, held from November 1 to 14. This upcoming championship will be critical, as it offers vital Olympic quota places for the Los Angeles 2028 Games.