Athens Olympics 2004 Flashback: Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore Shines As India’s Sole Medalist In The Greek Capital

The 2004 Summer Olympics marked a historic moment, as it was the first time since the 1996 Games that every nation with a National Olympic Committee participated. Additionally, it was the first time Athens had hosted the Games since the inaugural 1896 event, bringing the Olympics back to its birthplace.

The United States led the medal count with an impressive 101 medals, including 36 gold, 39 silver, and 26 bronze. China followed with 63 medals, while Russia, despite a total of 90 medals, secured only 28 gold compared to China’s 32.

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India’s performance at the 2004 Athens Olympics was marked by a solitary medal, with shooter Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore claiming silver in the men’s double trap event. The renowned tennis duo of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi, as well as weightlifter Kunjarani Devi, returned without medals. Despite sending a contingent of 73 athletes, India’s Olympic campaign ended in disappointment with just one medal to show for their efforts.

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