Olympic medal is a dream of every sport star but; there are just a few who achieved it and one among them who has made India proud is Rajyavardhan Rathore. The Lt. Colonel with assuring confidence has reached a milestone that not a single Indian has reached. He has chivalrously grasped India's first silver medal ever. Here are some interesting facets that deal with his life, achievements and other interests.
His childhood Rajyavardhan Rathore was born on January 29, 1970 in Jaisalmar of Rajhasthan to Col. Laxman Singh Rathore and teacher Manju Rathore. His parents describe him as a soft-spoken and down to earth man. The world's third best double trap shooter is called 'Chilly' at home. As a child he was a good cricket player. He had also been for the Ranji Trophy selection from Madhya Pradesh, when he was in class 10. His mother discouraged his talent as she feared he will be swept with the game without completing basic qualification. Well the fate had other plans for him. He was molded to be recognized in other platform so Rathore did not get selected. He gave in for the National Defense Academy exam and qualified for the army.
Major Rajyvardhan Rathore to a world class shooter Major Rathod received the Sword of Honour from Indian Military Academy in 1990. He fought against separatist militants in Indian-administered Kashmir in Kargil War 1999. While he was posted in Mhow, he started shooting. He took up competitive shooting only in 1998 just after his marriage to Dr. Gayatri an army doctor. They have two children a son, named Manav, and daughter, named Gauri. He got the chance to compete in the Olympics after winning a bronze medal at the World Championship in Cyprus. He was trained in Europe under Atlanta Olympic gold medalist Russel Mark of Australia.
After his glorious achievement in Olympics, Rajyavardhan Rathore acknowledge the cheering crowd, by standing on top of his car by proudly displaying his medal after his return from Athens Olympics Games. A billion faces lighted up in smiles hearing
about his unique achievement. Rathore wished to take his medal to schools across the country to inspire youngsters.
Rathore has never allowed success and adulation to overpower his humble soul. He carried on his good performance at the international level. He won the gold in the individual and team events in Men's double trap at the 2005 Asian Clay Shooting championships at Bangkok. In 2005 Commonwealth Shooting Championships in Melbourne, Rajyawardhan Rathore was the member of the winning Indian team in the double trap event. Here is a list of his awards,
- Recipient of Arjuna award in 2003- 2004 for shooting
- The highest sporting award 'Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna' in 2004- 2005
- Recipient of Padma Shri
- The first officer to be awarded a gallantry award 'Ati Vishisht Seva Medal 'below the rank of the brigadier.
Rajyavardhan Rathore has mounted an event that tests both skill and reflexes. The most acclaimed sports star still has much to gain. Lets wait and see what the future holds for him. The only other Indian athletes ever to win individual medals at the Olympics are Khashba Jadhav in the 1952 Helsinki Games,
Leander Paes at Atlanta in 1996 and Karnam Malleshwari in Sydney 2000, all of them bronze medals.
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