Kargil Vijay Diwas: Who Is Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore? The Athens 2004 Silver Medallist Who Fought the Kargil War

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Kargil Vijay Diwas & Paris Olympics: As the nation celebrates the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, we honour the valiant soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces for their sacrifices and extraordinary stories of courage.

Among these bravehearts, Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore stands out, not only for his heroics on the battlefield but also for bringing immense pride to the country through his achievements in the sporting arena. Paris Olympics Special Page

At a time when India expects a good show from its contingent at the Paris Olympics 2024, eyes will once again be on the strong shooting squad. Rathore - whose name is synonymous with excellence in Indian shooting - can be an inspiration for the athletes in Paris.

Who is Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore?

An accomplished shooter, Rathore created history after winning the silver medal in men's double trap shooting at the 2004 Athens Olympics. His achievement marked a significant milestone as he became the first Indian to win an individual silver medal at the Olympics.

It was also the only medal India bagged at the Summer Games in the Greek capital. Rathore's precise marksmanship and composure under pressure made him a national hero and an inspiration for aspiring athletes across India.

Army Journey and Kargil War

Rathore's distinguished career began in the Indian Army, where he demonstrated exceptional bravery and leadership. He fought in the Kargil War, showcasing his dedication and valour on the battlefield. Rathore was promoted to the rank of major on December 15, 2000, and his service continued in Jammu and Kashmir, where he actively participated in counter-terrorist operations.

His regiment was recognized for their exemplary work with the Army Chief's Citation and the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir's Citation, reflecting the high regard in which his unit was held.

Rathore's career progression in the Army saw him promoted to lieutenant colonel on December 16, 2004, and eventually to colonel on May 1, 2009, marking a successful and decorated military journey.

Shooting Achievements

Rathore's transition from a soldier to an elite athlete was marked by remarkable achievements in shooting. At the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, he won a gold medal in men's double trap shooting, setting a new Commonwealth Games record of 192 targets out of 200, a record that still stands. He also secured a team gold medal alongside Moraad Ali Khan.

Rathore successfully defended his Commonwealth Champion title by winning another gold at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games, and he added a silver medal in the team event with Vikram Bhatnagar. His prowess extended to the World Shooting Championships, where he won gold medals in Sydney in 2004 and Cairo in 2006.

In addition to his Commonwealth and World Championship successes, Rathore's consistency at the highest levels of the sport was evident. He won a bronze medal at the World Championship in Spain in 2006, an event reserved for the top 12 shooters globally.

Throughout 2003 and 2004, he was ranked third in the world, briefly attaining the first rank in early 2004 and second after his silver medal win at the Athens Olympics. His silver at the 2003 World Championship in Sydney ended a nearly 40-year medal drought for India in the event, a feat last achieved by Karni Singh of Bikaner in 1962.

Rathore also dominated the Asian shooting scene, winning the Asian Clay Target gold medal four consecutive times from 2003 to 2006. His international medal tally between 2002 and 2006 includes 25 medals across various championships in double trap shooting.

In 2011, he continued his winning streak by securing gold at the Asian Clay Target Championship in Kuala Lumpur, equaling the world record with a score of 194. Rathore's achievements have cemented his legacy as one of India's greatest shooters, inspiring future generations of athletes.

After his historic performance in Athens, he also competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Although he did not win a medal in Beijing, where fellow shooter Abhinav Bindra bagged India's first individual gold medal at the quadrennial event.

Transition to Politics

After retiring from professional sports, Rathore transitioned into politics, bringing his leadership skills and passion for excellence to public service. He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and was elected as a Member of Parliament from Jaipur Rural in Rajasthan.

His foray into politics was marked by his commitment to improving sports infrastructure and promoting a culture of sportsmanship in India. He's currently an MLA from Jhotwara, Rajasthan and holds a cabinet ministry in the state government.

Sports Minister of India

In November 2014, Rathore was appointed as the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, and later, he took on the role of Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports in September 2017.

As Sports Minister, Rathore was instrumental in launching initiatives to nurture young talent and provide better facilities for athletes. Under his leadership, the Khelo India program was revamped, aiming to identify and support grassroots-level athletes and improve India's performance in international sports.

Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore's life story is one of resilience, excellence, and service. From winning India's first individual silver medal at the Olympics to shaping the future of Indian sports through his political career, Rathore remains a towering figure in both arenas. His contributions have left an indelible mark, and he continues to be a source of inspiration for athletes and leaders alike.