The Paris Olympics 2024 has been a significant event for Indian sports, marking yet another chapter in the country’s growing Olympic legacy. With a contingent of 117 athletes representing the nation, India had its sights set on adding to its medal tally and achieving new milestones. As the games come to a close this Sunday, the nation reflects on a journey filled with memorable performances, unexpected challenges, and moments of sheer brilliance.
A Contingent of Hope and Determination
India’s contingent for Paris 2024 was its largest ever, with athletes competing across 16 sports in 69 medal events. The team was a mix of seasoned Olympians, including returning medalists like Neeraj Chopra, PV Sindhu, and Mirabai Chanu, and promising young talents eager to make their mark on the world stage.
The anticipation was high, and for good reason. India was coming off its best-ever performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where the country secured seven medals, including one gold. The goal in Paris was not only to match but surpass this achievement, with hopes resting on a diverse array of sports, from shooting to wrestling to hockey.
The Medal Tally: A Mix of Triumphs and Near Misses
India’s final tally at the Paris Olympics 2024 stood at six medals: one silver and five bronze. While this result fell short of the record set in Tokyo, it was nevertheless a testament to the determination and skill of India’s athletes.
A Historic Start in Shooting
The first medal for India at Paris 2024 came from Manu Bhaker, who clinched a bronze in shooting. This was not just any medal—it marked a historic moment as Bhaker became the first Indian woman to medal in Olympic shooting. But her achievements didn’t stop there. Manu went on to secure a second bronze in the mixed team 10m air pistol event, alongside Sarabjot Singh, making her the first Indian to win two medals in a single Olympic edition. This double victory underscored her exceptional talent and determination, setting a new benchmark for future Indian shooters.
Swapnil Kusale added to India’s success in shooting by securing a third medal, further cementing this as India’s best Olympic haul in shooting at a single Games. His performance was a highlight for the Indian contingent, demonstrating the growing strength of the nation in this discipline.
Silver in Javelin: Neeraj Chopra’s Continued Legacy
Neeraj Chopra, who had already become a household name with his historic gold medal in Tokyo 2020, continued to shine in Paris. This time, he secured a silver in the javelin throw, making him the most successful individual Olympian from India. Neeraj’s ability to perform under pressure and his consistency at the highest level have made him a legend in Indian sports. His silver medal, though not gold, was celebrated across the nation as a remarkable achievement and a continuation of his Olympic legacy.
A Bronze in Hockey and Wrestling
The Indian men’s hockey team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, replicated their success in Tokyo by securing a bronze medal in Paris. This victory was a testament to the team’s resilience and determination, as they battled through a tough tournament to finish on the podium. The bronze was a significant achievement, given the long and storied history of Indian hockey at the Olympics, and it added to the team’s legacy as one of the country’s most successful sporting disciplines.
In wrestling, young sensation Aman Sehrawat made headlines by becoming India’s youngest Olympic medallist with a bronze. His achievement was particularly special, not only because of his age but also because it showcased the depth of talent in Indian wrestling. Aman’s performance was one of the standout moments for India at the Paris Olympics, offering a glimpse into the future of Indian sports.
Close Calls and Missed Opportunities
While India celebrated its six medals, the games were also marked by several near misses that left athletes and fans alike wondering what could have been. A total of six Indian athletes finished fourth in their respective events, just shy of the podium. Among them were Lakshya Sen in badminton, Mirabai Chanu in weightlifting, and Manu Bhaker, who narrowly missed out on what could have been a historic third medal.
These fourth-place finishes were bittersweet. On one hand, they demonstrated the competitive edge of Indian athletes on the world stage. On the other hand, they highlighted the fine margins that separate victory from disappointment at the highest level of sport.
Another heartbreaking moment for India came when wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified just before historic final, dashing hope of adding another medal to the tally. Vinesh’s disqualification was a significant blow, especially considering her status as one of India’s top wrestlers and a strong medal contender.
Reflecting on the Achievements
Despite the disappointments, India’s performance at the Paris Olympics 2024 is one to be proud of. The six medals won reflect the country’s growing stature in international sports and the hard work of the athletes, who have trained for years to compete at this level.
Manu Bhaker’s double bronze in shooting and Neeraj Chopra’s silver in javelin were standout moments that will be remembered for years to come. The success in hockey and wrestling further reinforced India’s strengths in these traditional sports, while the close calls in other events showed that Indian athletes are on the cusp of even greater achievements.
The Road Ahead: Building on Paris 2024
As India looks ahead to future Olympic Games, the lessons learned from Paris 2024 will be crucial. The successes and setbacks alike highlight the areas where Indian sports need to grow and improve. Investment in infrastructure, coaching, and grassroots development will ensure that more athletes can compete at the highest level and that India can challenge for more medals across a wider range of sports.
The stories of Manu Bhaker, Neeraj Chopra, and Aman Sehrawat will inspire the next generation of athletes to dream big and aim for Olympic glory. These athletes have shown that, with the right support and determination, Indian athletes can compete with the best in the world.
A Legacy to Inspire
India’s journey at the Paris Olympics 2024 may not have matched the highs of Tokyo 2020 in terms of medal count. Still, it has nevertheless been a significant chapter in the nation’s Olympic story. The six medals won are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the athletes, and the near misses remind us of the competitive nature of the Olympics.
As the nation celebrates its Olympic heroes, there is a growing optimism for the future. The legacy of Paris 2024 will be one of inspiration, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. With continued support and development, the best is yet to come for Indian sports, and the Paris Olympics will be remembered as a pivotal moment in this journey.
India’s Olympic dreams are alive and well, and as the torch is passed to the next generation of athletes, there is every reason to believe that the country’s best Olympic moments are still ahead.
