Top five oldest Indian medalists at Olympics

Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore is the oldest Indian athlete to medal at the Olympics.

Every four years, a younger generation of athletes takes part in the Olympics. Competing with them and winning a medal is no easy task. Over the years, India has had 20 different individual medalists at the Olympics.

Among them are Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, who made history as the oldest Indian Olympic medalist with his silver in shooting and Mary Kom, whose bronze in boxing marked a historic achievement as the first female Indian boxer to win an Olympic medal.

Each of these athletes has made significant contributions to their disciplines, setting new benchmarks and inspiring future generations. Let’s take a look at the top five oldest Indian medalists at the Olympics:

5. Gagan Narang

Gagan Narang won a bronze medal in the men’s 10m air rifle competition at the 2012 London Olympics at the age of 29 years and three months. His achievement was a significant moment for Indian shooting. Narang was also a member of the prestigious Padma Award Committee in 2023.

He won a gold medal at the 2006 Beijing ISSF World Cup in the 10m air rifle and a bronze at the Munich ISSF World Shooting Championships in the 10m air rifle.

4. Sushil Kumar

Sushil Kumar, one of India’s most decorated wrestlers, won a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics at the age of 25 years and two months. Four years later, at the 2012 London Olympics, he secured a silver medal in the same category at the age of 29 years and two months.

Kumar’s achievements have been pivotal in elevating the profile of wrestling in India. He is the first Indian wrestler to medal at multiple editions of the Olympics.

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3. Mary Kom

Mary Kom, widely-known as “Magnificent Mary,” won a bronze medal in boxing at the 2012 London Olympics at the age of 29 years and nine months. Her victory was a historic achievement, making her the first female Indian boxer to win an Olympic medal.

She is also the oldest Indian female athlete to win an Olympic medal. Mary Kom has won multiple international medals: Six World Championship gold medals, five Asian Championships gold medals, one Asian Games gold medal and one Commonwealth Games gold medal.

2. Yogeshwar Dutt

At the 2012 London Olympics, Yogeshwar Dutt won a bronze medal in wrestling at the age of 29 years and nine months. His achievement was a proud moment for Indian wrestling.

He has won multiple Commonwealth and Asian Championships gold medals. Dutt continues to be a prominent figure in the sport, contributing as a mentor and coach.

1. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore

Born on January 29, 1970, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore achieved a landmark victory at the 2004 Athens Olympics, winning a silver medal in the men’s double trap shooting event at the age of 34 years and six months, becoming the oldest Indian Olympic medalist by age.

His historic win was India’s first silver medal in shooting. Beyond his sports career, he has made significant contributions to politics, serving as India’s Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports.

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