Hyderabad: The Paris 2024 Olympics marked a defining essay in India’s sporting history, with the Indian contingent producing one of the most stellar performances to date, making the 'City of Light' shine brighter with India’s colours. As the year draws to a close, it's time to celebrate the moments that made the world take notice of India's sporting prowess, especially at the grandest stage -- The Olympics.
From record-breaking medal hauls to trailblazing debuts, Paris 2024 was a sheer display of resilience, determination, and the power of dreams. With a contingent of 117 athletes, the second most for the country, supported by 140 officials and staff, India competed in 16 disciplines, fighting for glory in 69 medal events.
Despite falling short of surpassing their Tokyo Olympics 2020 tally of 7 medals, India returned home with immense pride and six medals—one silver and five bronze—making it their third-best performance at the Summer Games after Tokyo 2020 and London 2012.
A Glimpse at the Medal Haul
India’s six-medal haul included a silver from Tokyo Olympics 2020 gold medallist Neeraj Chopra, in javelin throw and five bronze medals spread across shooting (3), hockey (1), and wrestling (1). The achievements underscored the growing competitiveness and the hard work, perseverance and dedication of Indian athletes on the global stage.
Neeraj Chopra: A Silver That Gleamed Like Gold
The nation's star javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra, once again made headlines this year. Competing under immense pressure as the defending Olympic champion, Chopra delivered his second-best career throw of 89.45m despite suffering from a groin injury. However, Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem claimed the gold with a record-breaking throw of 92.97m. Despite settling for silver, Chopra etched his name in history as the second Indian to win two individual Olympic medals in athletics.
Manu Bhaker’s Historic Feats in Shooting
Manu Bhaker emerged as a standout performer for India as she created history as the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting. She clinched bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event and then secured the bronze medal, teaming up with Sarabjot Singh in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, the pair became the first Indian duo to win a shooting medal in the Olympics. Manu also became the first athlete from independent India to win two medals at a single Olympics. But Manu Bhaker missed the opportunity to bag the third bronze medal in the single edition of the Olympics after she finished fourth in the women's 50m air pistol shooting event.
Swapnil Kusale added to India’s success in shooting by claiming bronze in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions, making Paris 2024 India's best-ever Olympics in shooting with three medals.
Hockey’s Resurgence
Indian hockey continued its revival with the men’s team securing a second bronze medal on the trot. In a hard-fought battle, India defeated Spain 2-1, securing back-to-back Olympic hockey medals for the first time since 1972. This triumph also marked India’s record-extending 13th Olympic hockey medal, the most by a team playing hockey.
Skipper Harmanpreet Singh’s 10 goals, Jarmanpreet Singh's assists, Amit Rohidas' rushes and veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh’s stellar saves were instrumental in India’s campaign. The team’s triumph against Australia in the group stage—India’s first Olympic win against them since 1972 and on the synthetic court—was another highlight. However, the Paris Olympics 2024 will also be remembered for Sreejesh's retirement from international hockey.
Wrestling’s Mixed Fortunes
Wrestler Aman Sehrawat bagged a bronze in the men’s freestyle 57 kg category, continuing India’s tradition of winning medals in wrestling at the Olympics.