Ace shooter Lt. Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, the first ever sportsperson from India to have won an Olympic Silver medal in any individual event, was presented the country’s top sports award. Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award 2004, by Hon’ble President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on August 29,2005.
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Lt. Colonel Rathore won the Olympic Sliver medal in double trap shooting event on August 17, 2004, during the 28th Olympic Games held in Athens (Greece). Thus, in the ‘Olympic Games’ more than 100 years long history, he also became, in all, the fourth sportsperson from India to win an individual Olympic medal, the other three before him being Bronze medalists. Popularly nicknamed ‘Chilli’ by his friends and fans. Lt. Colonel Rathore achieved this proud feat for the country through his outstanding determination, endeavor, a never-say-die attitude and dedication to the game.
Evev since Lt. Colonel Rathore began to represent the country in sports at the international level, he has achieved success with top laurels in several Championships, asserting his great talent with a masterly perfection. Prior to the Athens Olympics, some of the major international shooting events, which merit mentioning for his insuperable excellence, include Manchester Commonwealth Games 2002 (Gold Medal) Afro-Asian Games 2003 (Gold Medal), Asian Clay Championship 2003 (Gold Medal), Masters Cup Shooting Championship 2004 (Gold Medal) and Shooting World Cup 2004 (Gold Medal).