Thank You, National Lottery – Asia Hoile’s Journey

Thank You, National Lottery

Asia Hoile’s journey from a teenage beginner to representing Wales and the UK, thanks to National Lottery funding.

At just 14, Asia picked up a rifle for the first time after a playful bet with her uncle. She surprised everyone — including herself — by hitting the target. Years later, a taster session at Southampton Rifle Club reignited that spark, and she soon dedicated herself to competitive shooting.

Today, Asia competes for Tondu Shooting Club in Small Bore .22, Target Rifle 7.62, and Match Shooting events. She has represented Oxford University, where she was elected Vlues Team Captain and President, and proudly works to grow participation across all ages, genders, and abilities.

But competing at elite level comes at a cost. A single training session can reach £200, with ammunition alone costing £2 per bullet, not to mention venue hire, targets, travel, and expert coaching. For many athletes, these costs become a significant barrier.

How the National Lottery Changed Everything

Without the support of the National Lottery and Welsh Shooting, Asia’s journey might never have been possible. Their funding has provided her with access to elite coaching to refine her technique, eased the burden of equipment and ammunition costs to keep her training consistent, and allowed her to travel and compete so she can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best regardless of financial background. Most importantly, it has given her the confidence and stability to plan long-term goals without the constant worry of affordability.

“If it wasn’t for the National Lottery, I’d have to pick and choose which events to attend. That would mean missing out on vital experience and opportunities to grow. Thanks to everyone who buys a ticket — you’ve made this dream possible.” — Asia Hoile

Achievements with National Lottery Support

The opportunities made possible by the National Lottery have already turned into milestones:

• King’s Final, The Imperial Meeting – Achieved a perfect score and placed 32^nd and top tyro
• Captain of Oxford University Rifle Club– Leading by example and inspiring women and visually impaired shooters to pursue their potential
• Selected for the UK NRA Team – Competing on the Channel Islands Tour, May 2026.
• Chosen for the Welsh Rifle Team – Representing Wales in Australia, October 2026.

Each achievement highlights how the National Lottery funding enables talent to shine, regardless of gender or background and how Asia is paving the way for other young women in sport.

Beyond Medals – Building a Community

For Asia, shooting isn’t just about personal success, it’s about creating opportunities and breaking down barriers for other, particularly young women She wants to open doors for others by:

• Encouraging female participation in shooting at all levels.
• Championing opportunities for visually impaired athletes to take part.
• Supporting younger shooters to build confidence, discipline, and resilience

Reshaping perceptions of target shooting, proving that it’s a sport for all genders, ages and abilities. With National Lottery funding, Asia’s impact extends far beyond competition; she is a visible role model, opening doors for young women and encouraging  a more inclusive and sustainable future for the sport.

A Shared Success

Asia’s journey is not just her own — it belongs to everyone who has supported the National Lottery. Every ticket purchased helps athletes like Asia break barriers, chase excellence, and inspire the next generation of women in sport

When you play the National Lottery, your part of the story.