Who is Prithviraj Tondaiman? All you need to know about the Indian shooter competing at the Paris Olympics 2024

Prithviraj Tondaiman is the perfect role model for all budding athletes to follow. By making his Olympic debut at the age of 37, Prithviraj is leading by example. His qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics is a testament of his determination and a ‘never give up’ attitude.

Hailing from Tamil Nadu, the trap shooter is the first athlete from his state to participate at the Olympics. Prithviraj belongs to the lineage of Maharaja of Pudukkottai. Shooting as a sport comes naturally to Tondaiman as his father, Rajagopal Tondaiman, was himself a shooter.

However, it has not been the easiest of roads for the veteran. It took him longer than usual to break out of the shadows and announce himself to the sporting world. The athlete had to continuously work on improving his shortcomings and compete in several competitions before getting his moment in the sun.

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Prithviraj Tondaiman’s unshakable ambition post 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympics heartbreak

Prithviraj Tondaiman would not have had to wait this long for an Olympic debut if not for heartbreaks in previous editions. The shooter missed out on qualifying for both the 2016 Rio Olympics and 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo. However, he continued to be determined in his quest with destiny.

It was Russell Mark’s appointment as India’s head coach that came as a blessing in disguise for Tondaiman. Soon after the two-time Olympic medallist's appointment, Prithviraj won his maiden World Cup medal. A bronze at the 2023 Shotgun World Cup in Doha. He also won the bronze at the 2023 ISSF Shotgun World Cup in Lonato, Italy.

There has been no looking back since for Prithviraj Tondaiman who will be a part of the 21-member Indian shooting contingent. The athlete trained in Croatia ahead of the Games in Paris and will be competing in the men's trap shotgun event. He will start his campaign with the trap men's qualification- day 1 on July 29.

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