Tarundeep Rai's Last Shot: Veteran Archer Aims for Olympic Glory in Paris

Veteran Indian archer Tarundeep Rai views the upcoming Paris Olympics as a 'now-or-never' moment in his career. Having competed in three previous Olympics without a medal, Rai, 40, aims to rectify past shortcomings. He also serves as a mentor to younger team members, sharing his extensive experience and knowledge.

Veteran Indian archer Tarundeep Rai sees the upcoming Paris Olympics as a critical 'now-or-never' moment in his career. The 40-year-old has an impressive record at the global and continental levels but is yet to win an Olympic medal. Rai, who will be making his fourth appearance at the Games, balances his time as an unofficial mentor to his teammates while pursuing his own Olympic dream.

Rai has accumulated numerous accolades, including two silver medals at the World Championships and multiple honors at the Asian Games and Championships. Despite these achievements, an Olympic medal has eluded him. 'You have to put in an effort as if it's going to be your last,' he told PTI in an interview.

The archer from Sikkim also emphasized the importance of rigorous preparation and hard work. 'The colour of your sweat sometimes turns red,' he noted. With the Indian archery team now consisting of a full six-member squad for the first time since 2012, there is renewed hope for an Olympic breakthrough. Rai has also established an academy to mentor future archers, ensuring his 28 years of experience contribute to the sport's development.