## Heena Sidhu – Biography ##

Heena Sidhu is one of India's most successful sports shooters, known for her outstanding performances in the 10-meter air pistol and 25-meter pistol events. Born on August 29, 1989, in Ludhiana, Punjab, India, Heena grew up in a supportive family that encouraged her to pursue sports alongside her studies. Although she initially considered dentistry as a profession, her passion for shooting ultimately led her to become one of the most successful shooters in Indian sports history.Heena Sidhu completed her schooling in Punjab and later earned a degree in dental surgery. Interestingly, unlike many other athletes, she did not start shooting at a very young age. Her interest in the sport grew during her college days, when she would go to the shooting range with her cousin. What began as a casual interest soon blossomed into a serious commitment. Her natural talent, unwavering focus, and determination quickly became apparent.Her family played a crucial role in shaping her career. With the strong encouragement from her parents and relatives, Heena decided to pursue professional shooting. She trained rigorously and began participating in national-level competitions, where she gradually established herself.Heena Sidhu's success began when she began winning medals at national championships. Her consistent performances earned her a spot on the Indian shooting team. She gained international recognition after winning medals at major global events.One of her early major successes was the Commonwealth Shooting Championships, where she won multiple medals. Competing against top shooters from around the world gave her confidence and experience.

Heena made history in 2013 when she became the first Indian pistol shooter to achieve the world number one ranking in the 10-meter air pistol event by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF). This achievement was a proud moment not only for her but for the entire Indian shooting scene.Heena Sidhu's list of achievements is impressive. She won gold medals at the Commonwealth Games, one of the most prestigious sporting events for athletes from Commonwealth countries. At the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, she won gold in the 10m air pistol event and silver in the 25m pistol event.At the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, she won gold in the 25m pistol event and silver in the 10m air pistol event. These victories further cemented her status as one of India's top shooters.She has also performed exceptionally well at the ISSF World Cup and Asian Championships. Over the past few years, she has won numerous medals in international competitions, consistently demonstrating her skill and mental strength.Heena Sidhu represented India at the 2012 London Olympics and the 2016 Rio Olympics. Although she did not win an Olympic medal, her participation in the world's biggest sporting event demonstrated her dedication and high-level performance. Participating in the Olympics requires immense mental focus and patience, and Heena demonstrated both qualities on the global stage.

In addition to her success as a shooter, Heena Sidhu has also contributed to the sport in administrative roles. She served as President of the ISSF Athletes' Committee, becoming one of the few Indians to hold a key position in international sports governance. Her leadership role reflects her commitment to improving the sport and supporting fellow athletes around the world.Heena has also been vocal about issues related to mental health, athlete welfare, and fair competition. She believes that mental strength is as important as physical training in shooting. Her support has inspired many young athletes to focus on holistic development.For her outstanding contribution to Indian sports, Heena Sidhu has received several prestigious awards. She was honored with the Arjuna Award by the Government of India, which recognizes outstanding achievements in sports. This award recognized her dedication, discipline, and success on the international stage.Her achievements have made her a role model, especially for young girls who want to pursue a career in sports. In a country where shooting has gained popularity due to its international success, Heena's journey is a testament to dedication and hard work.Heena Sidhu is known for her calm nature and strong-willed attitude. Shooting is a sport that requires immense concentration, strong hands, and emotional control. Heena's ability to remain calm under pressure has been one of her greatest strengths.Despite her fame, she remains grounded and focused on continuous improvement. She balances her professional commitments with personal interests and passions.