The Paris 2024 Olympics has been a momentous event for India, displaying the incredible dedication, resilience, and talent of our athletes on the global stage. As the Games come to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the remarkable achievements of our sports stars who have made the nation proud.

The Road to Glory

India sent a strong contingent of 117 athletes to Paris, participating across 16 sports, including archery, athletics, shooting, wrestling, and hockey. These athletes, driven by the dreams of a billion people, delivered stellar performances, securing a total of 12 medals for the country. This impressive haul includes one silver and eleven bronze medals.

Medal Winners

1. Neeraj Chopra – Silver in Men’s Javelin Throw

Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion from Tokyo 2020, added another prestigious medal to his collection by winning a silver in the men’s javelin throw with an impressive throw of 89.45 meters. This achievement makes him the first Indian track-and-field athlete to win medals at consecutive Olympic Games. His consistent performance on the global stage continues to cement his status as one of the world’s leading javelin throwers.

2. Manu Bhaker – Bronze in Women’s 10m Air Pistol

Manu Bhaker, the young shooting sensation, secured India’s first medal at the Paris Olympics by winning bronze in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol event. Her calm and composed demeanor under pressure was crucial in clinching this victory, marking a significant milestone in her career.

3. Manu Bhaker & Sarabjot Singh – Bronze in Mixed 10m Air Pistol

Manu Bhaker wasn’t done yet. Teaming up with Sarabjot Singh, she bagged another bronze in the Mixed 10m Air Pistol event. This was India’s second medal in shooting at these Games, highlighting the country’s growing prowess in the sport.

4. Swapnil Kusale – Bronze in Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions

Swapnil Kusale added to India’s medal tally by winning bronze in the Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions event. This victory underscored India’s strong showing in shooting, with the nation consistently producing top-tier talent in this discipline.

5. Indian Men’s Hockey Team – Bronze

The Indian Men’s Hockey Team, continuing their resurgence in international hockey, secured a bronze medal, replicating their success from Tokyo 2020. This victory was particularly emotional as it marked the final match for the legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who announced his retirement after the Games. Sreejesh’s contributions to Indian hockey have been monumental, and this medal was a fitting end to his illustrious career.

6. Aman Sehrawat – Bronze in Men’s 57kg Freestyle Wrestling

Young wrestler Aman Sehrawat showed incredible skill and determination, earning a bronze medal in the Men’s 57kg Freestyle Wrestling. His victory is a testament to the rising stars in Indian wrestling, and it serves as a promising sign for the future of the sport in the country.

The Legacy Continues

India’s performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics highlights the country’s growing strength in sports beyond cricket. The achievements of our athletes have inspired a new generation of sports enthusiasts and laid the groundwork for even greater success in future international competitions.

While the medal tally of one silver and five bronze may not have met all expectations, each medal symbolizes the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice made by our athletes. The nation celebrates these heroes and is reminded of the importance of investing in sports and nurturing talent from a young age.

Historical Perspective

India’s journey in the Olympics has been one of gradual progress. The country first competed in the 1900 Paris Olympics, with Norman Pritchard winning two silver medals in athletics. However, it wasn’t until 1928 that India won its first gold medal in field hockey, a sport in which the country would go on to dominate for several decades.

Over the years, India’s Olympic performance has seen many ups and downs, but recent decades have witnessed a significant improvement. The 2008 Beijing Olympics marked a turning point, with India winning three medals, including its first-ever individual gold by Abhinav Bindra in shooting. The success continued in the following Olympics, with athletes like Sushil Kumar, P.V. Sindhu, and Neeraj Chopra becoming household names.

Looking Ahead

As we look to the future, it’s clear that the foundation laid by these athletes will lead to even greater achievements. The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is already on the horizon, and with continued support and investment, India is poised to become a formidable force in global sports.

Let’s celebrate the triumphs of our athletes and continue to support them as they strive for excellence. The Paris 2024 Olympics may be over, but the journey of Indian sports has just begun. Our athletes have shown that with the right support and encouragement, they can achieve anything on the world stage.