Fueled by a stellar performance at the 2023 Asian Games, where India shattered its personal record, eyes are now set on replicating the heroic feats at the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024. Scheduled to ignite the spirit of competition from July 26th to August 11th, 2024, the Olympics promise to be a stage for Indian athletes to showcase their talent and strive for glory.
Tokyo 2020 witnessed India's most successful Olympic campaign yet, with a 124-strong contingent bringing home a remarkable seven medals, including the coveted gold in Neeraj Chopra's javelin throw. This inspiring performance, coupled with the recent Asian Games triumph, has fueled the nation's hopes for an even larger medal haul in Paris.
While Trap shooter Bhowneesh Mendiratta was the first to secure a quota place, followed by race walkers Priyanka Goswami and Akshdeep Singh in athletics, the journey doesn't end there. The bronze medal-winning Men's National Hockey team from Tokyo already has their spot secured.
However, for certain disciplines like shooting and wrestling, the wait for official roster announcements continues due to their unique qualification systems. In these sports, athletes compete for quota places for their country, and national federations later fill those slots through rigorous trials. This adds an element of suspense and anticipation as fans eagerly await the complete Indian contingent to be unveiled.
With the clock ticking down towards the prestigious games, the nation stands united in its support for its athletes. The spirit of determination and the echoes of past triumphs ignite a collective hope for a record-breaking performance in Paris. Each athlete carries the dreams of millions, and every victory will be a testament to their unwavering dedication and the nation's unwavering support. So, let the games begin! Let the Indian flag fly high at the Paris Olympics 2024.
A Legacy Woven in Threads of Triumph: India's Olympic Journey
India's Olympic history is a tapestry woven with threads of triumph, perseverance, and the undying spirit of its athletes. While cricket might reign supreme in the hearts of many, the nation's journey on the Olympic stage boasts a rich legacy, filled with moments of glory and a continuous pursuit of excellence.
The early brushstrokes painted a picture of individual brilliance. In 1900, Norman Pritchard, the lone representative, secured two silver medals in the 200m sprint and hurdles, marking the beginning of India's Olympic adventure. The iconic hockey team soon emerged as the dominant force, capturing an unprecedented hat-trick of gold medals between 1928 and 1936, etching their names in sporting folklore.
However, independence in 1947 ushered in a period of transition. While hockey continued its golden run with victories in 1948 and 1952, individual triumphs were scarce. KD Jadhav's bronze in wrestling in 1952 marked a rare individual accolade.
The decades that followed witnessed occasional sparks of brilliance, like Abhinav Bindra's historic gold in 10m air rifle shooting at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Yet, consistency remained elusive.
A turning point arrived in the 2010s. The "Shooting Queens" like Heena Sidhu and Manavjit Sandhu led the charge, showcasing India's prowess in this arena. Meanwhile, new heroes emerged in unexpected quarters. Vijender Singh's boxing bronze in 2008 and Sushil Kumar's wrestling medals (bronze in 2008, silver in 2012) broadened the sporting landscape.
The London 2012 Olympics saw Mary Kom, the "Magnificent Mary", capture the hearts of millions with her bronze medal in boxing, inspiring a generation of young girls. Sakshi Malik's bronze in wrestling at Rio 2016 further cemented the rise of women athletes.
Neeraj Chopra's javelin throw gold at Tokyo 2020 marked a watershed moment. Not only was it India's first athletics gold in over a century, but it also ignited a collective belief in the nation's potential to excel in diverse disciplines.
Beyond the podium finishes, the story extends to the countless athletes who have strived for excellence, pushing their limits and inspiring others. From Dipa Karmakar's daring Produnova vault in gymnastics to P.V. Sindhu's badminton brilliance, each journey adds a unique thread to the rich tapestry of Indian Olympic history.
The future holds immense promise. The recent Asian Games triumph, where India shattered its medal record, serves as a testament to the growing depth and talent pool. As the nation gears up for the Paris 2024 Olympics, the focus is not just on medals but on nurturing a sporting culture that embraces diverse disciplines and empowers athletes to chase their dreams.
From the legendary hockey team to the new-age stars, India's Olympic journey is a testament to the unwavering spirit of its athletes and the nation's collective dream of sporting excellence. While challenges remain, the future shines bright, woven with the threads of determination, talent, and unwavering belief in achieving the extraordinary.
Here is a look at the Indian athletes and squads who have qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics (To be Updated)
Archery (1)
Dhiraj Bommadevara (men’s individual recurve archery)
Athletics (10)
Suraj Panwar (Men’s 20m Race Walk)
Vikash Singh (Men’s 20km Race Walk)
Paramjeet Bisht (Men’s 20km Race Walk)
Akashdeep Singh (Men’s 20km Race Walk)
Priyanka Goswami (Women’s 20km Race Walk)
Neeraj Chopra (Men’s Javelin Throw)
Murali Sreeshankar (Men’s Long Jump)
Avinash Sable (Men’s 3000m Steeplechase)
Parul Chaudhary (Women’s 3000m Steeplechase)
Kishore Kumar Jena (men’s Javelin throw)
Servin Sebastian (men's 20km race walk)
Arshpreet Singh (men's 20km race walk)
Ram Baboo (men's 20km race walk)
Shooting (19)
Bhowneesh Mendiratta (Men’s Trap)
Rudrankksh Patil (Men’s 10m Air Rifle)
Swapnil Kusale (Men’s 50m rifle 3 positions)
Akhil Sheoran (Men’s 50m rifle 3 positions)
Mehuli Ghosh (Women’s 10m Air Rifle)
Sift Kaur Samra (Women’s 50m rifle 3 positions)
Rajeshwari Kumari (Women’s Trap)
Sarabjot Singh (Men’s 10m Air Pistol)
Arjun Babuta (Men’s 10m Air Rifle)
Tilottama Sen (Women’s 10m Air Rifle)
Manu Bhaker (Women’s 25m Air Pistol)
Anish Bhanwala (Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol)
Shriyanka Sidangi (Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Position)
Varun Tomar (Men’s 10m Air Pistol)
Esha Singh (Women’s 10m Air Pistol)
Rhythm Sangwan (Women’s 25m Pistol)
Vijayveer Sidhu (25m Rapid Fire Pistol)
Raiza Dhillon (Women’s Skeet)
Anantjeet Singh Naruka (Men’s Skeet)
Boxing (4)
Nikhat Zareen (Women’s 51kg)
Lovlina Borgohain (Women’s 75kg)
Preeti Pawar (Women’s 54kg)
Parveen Hooda (Women’s 57kg)
Wrestling (1)
Antim Panghal (women’s 53kg)
Hockey (1)
The Indian men's hockey team
Sailing (1)
Vishnu Saravanan (Men’s One-Person Dinghy)
Equestrian (1)
Anush Agarwalla (Dressage)
Table tennis
Indian men's team (Men's team and two in men's singles)
Indian women's team (Women's team and two in women's singles)
Author
Rishab is an aspiring sports journalist, currently pursuing his master’s in multimedia journalism at Christ University, Bangalore. Having previously worked with various organizations such as TheNewsMinute, TimesNetwork, DeccanHerald, and Sportskeeda, he is an avid sports enthusiast.