Jitu Rai is an Indian shooter of Nepalese origin who competes in the 10 metre air pistol and 50 metre pistol events.
Background
Naib-Subedar in the 11 Gorkha Rifles of Indian Army, Rai who was born in Sankhuwa Sabha in Nepal, has always called Nepal his homeland ever since shifting his base in 2006. Three of his brothers are in foreign countries working odd jobs while his mother cultivates rice on a small patch of terraced land that the family holds in his native village in Nepal.
Career
His early life was spent in a village of Sittalpati-8, Sankhuwa Sabha district of Nepal. He is the fourth brother among five siblings. That Rai, is a citizen of India is proved by the fact that he possesses a passport (Number J6211856), valid till February 21, 2021, with the address of GRRC Kiranti Lincolnshire, Sadar Cantt Road, Lucknow on lieutenant
He also has a certificate of participation in the 2011 National Games where he represented Uttar Pradesh.
“He has a valid Indian passport. He is an Indian citizen as per Citizenship ACT 1955,” said Amul Asthana, commandant of the Lucknow based 11 GRCC-Rai’s regiment.
His father died in 2006, which prompted his move to India from Nepal. He joined the 11 Gorkha Regiment in 2006 as a Sepoy and eventually moved up the ladder to the rank of Naib-Subedar.
Rai first made it to the Army"s shooting squad in 2010-2011 but failed to live up to expectations and was subsequently sent back to his unit, putting an end to his training at the AMU in Mhow.
At the 2014, Rai created the Games record in the qualification round of the 50 metre pistol event, having scored 562 points.