Jitu Rai: Farming potatoes in Nepal to first gold for India at Asian Games

Growing paddy, potatoes and corn on his family farm in a tiny village in eastern Nepal. And on Saturday he was standing on top of the podium, receiving India’s first gold medal of the 2014 Asian Games.

As the medal hung from his neck, Rai, who was an image of calm in his pursuit of the 50m air pistol gold, showed first signs of emotion. It was a mixture of relief and joy, and vindication. Rai had given up his country of birth and left his family behind to pursue an Army career in India. This moment of victory seemed to have made his long journey worth it.

A few years back, I wouldn’t have thought that I could achieve so much. I owe a lot to the Army. If it was not for them, I would have either been in Britain or growing potatoes in Nepal

Leading the “dull” life of a farmer, Rai had little idea that the destiny of a shooting hero awaited him, least of all representing India. In his first major international year, he has returned with a medal in every competition he has entered. Since June, he has won  gold medals at World Cup, Commonwealth Games and World Championship.

This haul could grow further at these games. On Sunday, he would compete for the 10m gold at the same venue. Multiple medals at high-profile events isn’t something new to the 27-year-old. At the World Cup, along with the gold, he had bagged a couple of silvers too.

Because of this stunning streak, Rai’s reputation is growing  on the world shooting circuit. So is his fan-following. Before he could celebrate the win with his coaches, a member of the Nepal contingent crossed the barricades and hugged him.

“So what if he represents India, Jitu is still our man,” she said.

Like many teenagers in Sankhuwasabha, Rai joined the Indian Army at 20, following in the footsteps of his father.  He could have joined the British Army. “I filled an application form to join the British Army as well but, just a day before the application process started, I was accepted in the Indian Army,” Rai said. He is now a part of the 11 Gorkha Rifles.

At the Indian Army base in Lucknow, Rai’s introduction to shooting was incidental. During his early training days, Rai dreaded the shooting drills. He excelled at physical training but marksmanship used to put him off but gradually, he discovered that he was good at it.

He started to dominate the Young Blood Championship organised by the Army, where an officer spotted him and sent him to the renowned
Army Marksman Unit in Mhau. His skill was nurtured there but it was not all easy going. He was twice sent back from the Army camp owing to poor form until he was called back last year after some impressive performances in the domestic circuit.

“A few years back, I wouldn’t have thought that I could achieve so much. I owe a lot to the Army. If it was not for them, I would have either been in Britain or growing potatoes in Nepal,” Rai said.

Rai said his wife and mother, who still live in Nepal, do not understand the magnitude of his achievement. “People in my village didn’t even know what a shooting World Cup was,” he said smiling.

His roommate and friend Gurpal Singh calls him a “restless creature who transforms into a monk” when he takes position in front of his target. “A day before the event, he is usually very restive. He cannot sit at one place, especially when people around him are winning medals,” Gurpal said. “But once his event begins, he is very composed.”

Rai, however, said he had no such anxiety before his event on Saturday. After being on the road for nearly two weeks, he was drained. But there will be no time to rest or celebrate. On Sunday morning, he will be back at the Ongnyeon Shooting Range for his favourite event, in hope climbing the top podium once again.

I could achieve so much. I owe a lot to the Army. If it was not for them, I would have either been in Britain or growing potatoes in Nepal,” Rai said.
Rai said his wife and mother, who still live in Nepal, do not understand the magnitude of his achievement. “People in my village didn’t even know what a shooting World Cup was,” he said smiling.
His roommate and friend Gurpal Singh calls him a “restless creature who transforms into a monk” when he takes position in front of his target. “A day before the event, he is usually very restive. He cannot sit at one place, especially when people around him are winning medals,” Gurpal said. “But once his event begins, he is very composed.”
Rai, however, said he had no such anxiety before his event on Saturday. After being on the road for nearly two weeks, he was drained. But there will be no time to rest or celebrate. On Sunday morning, he will be back at the Ongnyeon Shooting Range for his favourite event, in hope climbing the top podium once again
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