The Paris 2024 Olympics marked another chapter in Indiaโs evolving Olympic journey, as a contingent of 117 athletes represented the nation, striving for glory in one of the most prestigious global sporting arenas. Running from July 26 to August 11, the event saw Indian athletes compete across 16 sports, aiming to secure a place in the annals of Olympic history.
India at the Paris 2024: 6 Medals Won at Paris 2024
India secured a total of six medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, comprising one silver and five bronze, each one symbolizing the indomitable spirit of the nationโs athletes.
Manu Bhaker: A Pioneer in Indian Shooting
Manu Bhaker emerged as a standout performer, winning Indiaโs first medal at the Paris Gamesโa bronze in the womenโs shooting event. This victory was particularly significant as it made her the first Indian woman to claim an Olympic shooting medal. Bhaker didnโt stop there; she etched her name in history books by becoming the first Indian athlete to win two medals at a single Olympic Games, clinching another bronze in the mixed team 10m air pistol event alongside Sarabjot Singh.
Shooting: Indiaโs Best Haul
The sport of shooting proved to be Indiaโs forte at Paris 2024, with Swapnil Kusale adding a third medal to the tally. This accomplishment marked Indiaโs largest medal haul in shooting at a single edition of the Olympics, underscoring the nationโs growing prowess in the sport.
Hockey: A Consistent Force
The Indian menโs hockey team continued their legacy of excellence, replicating their success from Tokyo 2020 by securing a bronze medal in Paris. This victory reaffirmed Indiaโs historical dominance in Olympic hockey, where the country has amassed a total of 13 medals, including eight goldsโthe highest by any Indian team in any sport.
Neeraj Chopra: A Legacy of Excellence
Neeraj Chopra, the nationโs javelin sensation, added another feather to his illustrious cap by winning a silver medal. This achievement made him Indiaโs most successful individual Olympian, further solidifying his status as a national icon following his gold medal at Tokyo 2020.
Wrestling: A New Record
Aman Sehrawatโs bronze in wrestling made him Indiaโs youngest Olympic medallist, adding to the nationโs storied history in the sport. Wrestling remains a cornerstone of Indiaโs Olympic success, with eight medals won to date.
India at the Paris 2024: The Agony of Fourth Place
Despite the commendable medal haul, the Paris 2024 Olympics also brought moments of heartbreak for India. The nation narrowly missed out on six potential medals, with athletes finishing just shy of the podium in fourth place. Among those who came agonizingly close were Lakshya Sen in badminton, Mirabai Chanu in weightlifting, and Manu Bhaker, who was in contention for a third medal.
Adding to the nationโs woes was Vinesh Phogatโs disqualification ahead of what could have been a historic final, a setback that left fans and athletes alike reflecting on what might have been.
India at the Paris 2024: The Broader Picture
The Paris 2024 Olympics marked a significant chapter in Indiaโs long Olympic history, where the nation has so far accumulated 41 medals. Indiaโs Olympic journey began over a century ago in Paris 1900 when Norman Pritchard won two silver medals, setting the stage for future generations. Over the years, Indian athletes like KD Jadhav, who won an individual bronze in wrestling at Helsinki 1952, and Karnam Malleswari, the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal at Sydney 2000, have paved the way for the current crop of sportspeople.
Rifle shooter Abhinav Bindraโs gold medal in an individual event at Beijing 2008 remains a landmark achievement, marking Indiaโs first gold in an individual event, a record only matched over a decade later by Neeraj Chopraโs javelin triumph at Tokyo 2020.
Conclusion
As India concludes its campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the nation reflects on a blend of triumphs and near misses. With six medals in the bag and several promising performances, the contingent has set the stage for future successes. While the heartbreak of narrowly missed opportunities lingers, the resolve to achieve greater heights in the next edition remains stronger than ever.
