Who is Tarundeep Rai? All you need to know about the Indian archer competing at the Paris Olympics 2024

As the Paris Olympics 2024 looms on the horizon, fans are gearing up to cheer for one of their most seasoned archers - Tarundeep Rai. With a career spanning over two decades, this 40-year-old archer from Namchi, Sikkim, is preparing for his fourth Olympic appearance.

Tarundeep Rai's foray into archery began at a young age. Born on February 22, 1984, he was introduced to the sport in 1988 at the Tata Archery Academy. At just 19, he made his international debut at the 2003 Asian Archery Championships

Rai captured attention by clinching a silver medal in the team event in the continental extravaganza which he repeated in 2005. His performance at the 2004 Athens Olympics—43rd in the individual event and 11th in the men’s team event—marked the beginning of a storied Olympic journey.

Despite his early successes, an injury prevented him from competing in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In 2010, Rai made history by winning a gold in the men's team event at the Archery World Cup in Shanghai. That year, he also secured men’s team silver at the Porec World Cup.

At the London 2012 Olympics, he placed 17th individually and ninth with the team. Rai failed to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics but made a strong comeback with a bronze medal at the 2019 Asian Archery Championships to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where his team reached the quarterfinals, and he advanced to the Round of 32 in the individual event.

His achievements earned him the Padma Shri award in 2021.

To support his Olympic preparation, he has received substantial financial assistance. Under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), Rai has received Rs. 9,92,140. The Annual Calendar for Training and Competition (ACTC) has provided him with Rs. 68,54,070. Moreover, the government allocated Rs. 3,24,600 in 2023 for new archery equipment.

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Tarundeep Rai's recent performances ahead of the Paris Olympics 2024

As he approaches his fourth Olympics, Tarundeep Rai is in good form. Currently ranked 31st in the World Archery rankings, he recently achieved gold at the Shanghai 2024 Hyundai Archery World Cup Stage 1 in the men’s team event.

This season, his average arrow score stands at an impressive 9.38, surpassing his career average of 9.18. His qualification score of 684 this season is also a personal best.

At 40, Rai will be aiming to add an Olympic medal to his list of achievements and bid adieu in style to what could be his last Olympic appearance.