In the annals of Indian achievement, few names shine as brightly across diverse arenas as Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore. Born on January 29, 1970, in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, Rathore’s journey from the barracks of the Indian Army to the podiums of international shooting and the halls of Parliament exemplifies relentless dedication and versatility.
Rathore’s military career began with distinction at the National Defence Academy’s 77th course, followed by the Indian Military Academy where he earned the prestigious Sword of Honour as the best all-round gentleman cadet. Commissioned into the 64th Cavalry on December 15, 1990, he later transferred to the 9th Grenadiers. Rising through the ranks—Lieutenant in 1992, Captain in 1995, Major in 2000, Lieutenant Colonel in 2004, and Colonel in 2009—Rathore fought valiantly in the Kargil War, embodying the valor of India’s armed forces.
While serving, Rathore nurtured a passion for shooting, transforming it into a glittering legacy. At the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games, he clinched gold in double trap with a record-breaking 192 out of 200, a mark still unbeaten. He repeated the feat in Melbourne 2006, alongside team golds. His accolades include golds at the 2004 Sydney and 2006 Cairo World Championships, two World Cup golds, five Asian Championship golds, and a bronze at the Asian Games—totaling 13 international medals.
The pinnacle arrived in 2004 at the Athens Olympics, where Rathore’s silver in double trap became India’s first individual Olympic medal in shooting, etching his name in history after nearly 40 years since India’s last world-level silver in 1966. He added a bronze at the 2006 Spanish World Championship and equaled a world record with 194 at the 2011 Kuala Lumpur Asian Clay Target Championship.
Retiring from the army and shooting in 2013, Rathore pivoted to politics with equal prowess. Elected to the Lok Sabha in 2014, he served until 2023 as Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Youth Affairs and Sports. Since 2023, as a Rajasthan Cabinet Minister, he continues to influence state governance.
Honors followed: Arjuna Award in 2004, Padma Shri and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 2005. Rathore’s story inspires, proving excellence knows no bounds.
