Sikkimese archer Tarundeep Rai, alongside teammates Dhiraj Bommadevara and Pravin Jadhav, achieved a historic milestone by clinching gold at the Archery World Cup Stage 1 held in Shanghai, China. Their remarkable triumph unfolded against the reigning Olympic champions, South Korea.
Displaying exceptional talent and determination, the Sikkimese trio swept past their Korean counterparts without conceding a single set, securing an emphatic 5-1 victory (57-57, 57-55, 55-53). This victory not only marked Sikkim’s fifth gold medal in the ongoing competition but also represented their maiden World Cup triumph over archery powerhouse South Korea.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang of Sikkim extended heartfelt congratulations to the triumphant trio, particularly emphasising the stellar achievement of Tarundeep Rai, a proud son of Sikkim, and his fellow teammates. The Chief Minister hailed their victory as a testament to Sikkim’s prowess in the sport and urged them to sustain their exceptional performance.
This triumph holds significant implications for Sikkim’s prospects in the upcoming Paris Olympics, bolstering the team’s chances of qualification. With a tally of five gold, one silver, and one bronze medal, Sikkim’s dominance in archery at the global level is undeniable.
Tarundeep Rai, a seasoned archer with numerous accolades, has been instrumental in Sikkim’s archery journey. From representing the nation in multiple Olympic Games to clinching medals in international competitions, Rai’s contributions to the sport have been exemplary.
His achievements, including a historic bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, have earned him prestigious awards such as the Arjuna Award and the Padma Shri.
The success of the Sikkimese archers not only underscores the region’s rising prominence in international sports but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring archers across Sikkim. With their exceptional performance, they have paved the way for a bright future in competitive archery for Sikkim.
