The Paris Olympics 2024 marked another chapter in India’s growing journey in the realm of international sports. With a total haul of six medals—one silver and five bronze—India displayed a commendable performance, though the elusive gold medal remained out of reach. This edition of the Olympics was significant not just for the medals but also for the resilience, emerging talents, and the lessons learned that would be crucial for the nation’s future sporting aspirations.
The Medalists: A Detailed Overview
1. Neeraj Chopra: The Silver Spear
Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion from Tokyo 2020, was one of India’s biggest medal hopes in Paris. Competing in the men’s javelin throw, Chopra lived up to the expectations with a stellar performance, clinching a silver medal. His best throw of 89.43 meters came in the second attempt, marking his season-best performance. However, he fell short of Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who secured gold with an Olympic record throw of 92.97 meters.
Chopra’s achievement was monumental as it further established him as one of the top javelin throwers in the world. His journey in Paris was a mix of intense competition, pressure, and determination. Starting with a no-throw in the first attempt, Chopra managed to pull off an impressive recovery in his subsequent throws, showcasing his mental fortitude and technical prowess. This silver medal added to his already illustrious career, which includes being the first Indian to win an Olympic gold in athletics and a World Championships gold.
2. Manu Bhaker: Double Bronze Glory in Shooting
Manu Bhaker, one of India’s most promising shooters, delivered a strong performance in Paris. She secured two bronze medals, one in the 10m air pistol women’s event and the other in the 10m air pistol mixed team event alongside Sarabjot Singh. Bhaker’s individual performance was particularly noteworthy as she became the first Indian woman to win a medal in this event. The mixed team event also highlighted India’s growing strength in shooting, a sport where the country has shown consistent success over the years.
Bhaker’s journey to these medals was not without challenges. Competing against some of the world’s best shooters, she had to maintain a high level of focus and composure. Her performance was a reflection of her rigorous training and the experience she has gained from previous international competitions. These medals are likely to inspire a new generation of shooters in India and contribute to the sport’s development in the country.
3. Swapnil Kusale: A Bronze in 50m Rifle 3 Positions
Swapnil Kusale added to India’s shooting success with a bronze in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions event. This event, known for its technical complexity and the high level of precision required, saw Kusale competing against some of the best marksmen in the world. His performance was a significant achievement, as it demonstrated India’s depth in shooting talent across various categories.
Kusale’s journey to the bronze medal involved overcoming stiff competition and staying calm under pressure. The 50m rifle 3 positions event requires athletes to shoot from prone, standing, and kneeling positions, each presenting its own challenges. Kusale’s ability to adapt and perform consistently across all three positions was key to his success.
4. Indian Men’s Hockey Team: A Bronze That Reaffirmed Legacy
The Indian men’s hockey team continued its resurgence on the global stage by securing a bronze medal in Paris, replicating their success from Tokyo 2020. The team triumphed over Spain with a 2-1 victory in the bronze medal match, a game that was as intense as it was thrilling. This win was not just about the medal but also about the revival of India’s rich hockey legacy, a sport in which the country has historically dominated.
The journey of the Indian hockey team in Paris was filled with ups and downs. After a strong start in the group stages, they faced a tough semifinal against Belgium, which ended in a narrow defeat. However, the team showed immense character by bouncing back in the bronze medal match. Key players like Harmanpreet Singh, who scored crucial goals throughout the tournament, and PR Sreejesh, whose goalkeeping heroics were vital, were instrumental in securing the medal.
The team’s performance in Paris was a blend of youthful exuberance and experienced leadership, with players like Manpreet Singh guiding the younger members. This medal is likely to serve as a foundation for further success in future international tournaments, including the upcoming World Cup and Asian Games.
5. Aman Sehrawat: Wrestling Bronze at 21
At just 21 years old, Aman Sehrawat emerged as one of India’s brightest young talents in wrestling by winning a bronze medal in the men’s 57kg freestyle event. This achievement made him the youngest Indian wrestler to win an Olympic medal, underscoring the depth of talent in India’s wrestling contingent. Sehrawat’s medal was a result of his technical skills, agility, and mental toughness, qualities that have made him a rising star in the sport.
Sehrawat’s path to the bronze was not easy. He had to overcome experienced opponents, some of whom were former world champions. His ability to stay composed under pressure and execute his techniques flawlessly was crucial in securing the medal. This success is likely to propel Sehrawat into the spotlight and provide him with the confidence to aim for higher honors in future competitions, including the World Championships and the Asian Games.
Near Misses: The Agonizing Fourth-Place Finishes
While the six medals were a significant achievement, the Indian contingent also faced the disappointment of several fourth-place finishes in Paris. These near misses highlighted the fine margins between success and failure at the highest level of competition. Athletes in sports like boxing, badminton, and weightlifting came agonizingly close to winning medals but fell short in the final stages.
For instance, Lovlina Borgohain, a bronze medallist from Tokyo 2020, narrowly missed out on a medal in the women’s welterweight boxing event. Similarly, PV Sindhu, one of India’s most successful badminton players, lost in the quarterfinals, ending her quest for a third consecutive Olympic medal. These performances, while disappointing in terms of missing out on medals, were still commendable and demonstrated the competitive spirit of Indian athletes.
The Broader Impact: Lessons and Future Prospects
India’s performance at the Paris Olympics 2024, though not as golden as hoped, was marked by several milestones and emerging talents. The six medals won by the country were a testament to the progress being made in various sports, but they also highlighted areas where improvement is needed. The experience gained by the athletes in Paris will be invaluable as they prepare for future competitions, including the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games.
The government and sports authorities in India have been investing heavily in sports infrastructure and athlete development, and these efforts are beginning to bear fruit. The support provided to athletes through initiatives like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) has played a crucial role in their preparation and performance. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that India can consistently compete at the highest level across a broader range of sports.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on building on the success of the Paris Olympics and addressing the shortcomings. This includes providing better support to athletes, improving coaching standards, and ensuring that young talents have the resources they need to succeed. With a population of over 1.4 billion, India has immense potential to become a global sporting powerhouse. The Paris Olympics has shown that the country is on the right path, but there is still a long way to go.
The Paris Olympics 2024 was a significant chapter in India’s sporting journey. The six medals won by the country were a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and talent of the athletes. While the absence of a gold medal was disappointing, the silver and bronze medals won by Neeraj Chopra, Manu Bhaker, Swapnil Kusale, the men’s hockey team, and Aman Sehrawat were sources of immense pride for the nation.
The lessons learned from the near misses and the challenges faced in Paris will be crucial in shaping the future of Indian sports. As the country continues to invest in its athletes and sports infrastructure, there is every reason to believe that India will achieve even greater success in future Olympic Games. The Paris Olympics may not have been India’s most successful in terms of medal count, but it was a step forward in the nation’s quest to become a global sporting power.
