Every four years, younger athletes enter the Olympics, making it challenging to compete and win a medal. India has had 20 individual Olympic medalists over the years. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, who won a silver in shooting, became India’s oldest Olympic medalist. Mary Kom made history as the first female Indian boxer to win an Olympic medal with her bronze. These athletes have set new standards and inspired future generations.
Here are the top five Oldest Indian Olympian medalists:
5. Gagan Narang
He secured a bronze medal in the men’s 10m air rifle event at the 2012 London Olympics when he was 29 years and three months old. This accomplishment was a major milestone for Indian shooting. In 2023, Narang was also part of the esteemed Padma Award Committee.
In addition, he clinched a gold medal in the 10m air rifle at the 2006 Beijing ISSF World Cup and earned a bronze in the same event at the Munich ISSF World Shooting Championships.
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4. Sushil Kumar
Sushil Kumar, a highly decorated wrestler from India, clinched a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics when he was 25 years and 2 months old. Four years later, at the 2012 London Olympics, he earned a silver medal in the same weight class at 29 years and 2 months old.
Kumar’s successes have been crucial in raising the profile of wrestling in India. He is the first Indian wrestler to win medals at two different Olympic Games.
3. Mary Kom
Mary Kom, often called “Magnificent Mary,” made history by winning a bronze medal in boxing at the 2012 London Olympics when she was 29 years and nine months old. This achievement marked her as the first female Indian boxer to earn an Olympic medal.
Additionally, Mary Kom holds the record as the oldest Indian woman to win an Olympic medal. Her impressive career includes several international accolades: six gold medals from the World Championships, five gold medals from the Asian Championships, one gold medal from the Asian Games, and one gold medal from the Commonwealth Games.
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2. Yogeshwar Dutt
At the 2012 London Olympics, Yogeshwar Dutt secured a bronze medal in wrestling, achieving this feat at 29 years and nine months old. This accomplishment was a significant milestone for Indian wrestling.
Dutt has also earned several gold medals at the Commonwealth and Asian Championships. He remains an influential figure in wrestling, now serving as a mentor and coach.
1. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore
He was born on January 29, 1970, marked a significant achievement at the 2004 Athens Olympics. At 34 years and six months old, he won a silver medal in the men’s double trap shooting event, making him the oldest Indian to win an Olympic medal.
This achievement was India’s first silver medal in shooting. Besides his sports career, Rathore has also made notable contributions in politics, having served as India’s Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports.
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