Sikkim’s distinguished archer Tarundeep Rai has secured his place in the Men’s Recurve Team for the Paris Summer Olympics 2024, proudly representing Bharat on the international stage.
Tarundeep Rai, who was born on February 22, 1984, in South Sikkim’s Namchi, has followed in the footsteps of his cousin and football legend Bhaichung Bhutia by bringing national attention to the Northeastern State through his sporting achievements. Rai has established himself as a prominent figure in archery, becoming a three-time Olympian with numerous accolades to his name.
Rai’s international career began at the age of 19 at the 2003 Asian Archery Championships in Myanmar. That same year, he was a key member of the Indian team that achieved a fourth-place finish at the World Championships in New York.
His first major individual success came in 2004 when he won a gold medal at the Asian Grand Prix in Bangkok. This victory paved the way for his participation in the 2004 Athens Olympics, where he competed in the men’s individual recurve event, finishing 43rd overall.
Although he advanced through the ranking round, Rai was narrowly defeated by Greek archer Alexandros Karageorgiou in the first elimination round with a score of 147-143. Additionally, Rai competed in the men’s team event, which finished 11th.
Rai’s archery journey is marked by dedication and exceptional skill. His qualification for the Paris Olympics is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence, and he continues to inspire aspiring athletes from Sikkim and across Bharat.
As the Paris Summer Olympics 2024 approach, the nation eagerly anticipates another remarkable performance from this esteemed archer.
