As the world turns its eyes to Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics, India is gearing up to surpass its previous medal tally and make a significant impact on the global stage. This year marks a momentous occasion for Indian sports, with the country sending its strongest contingent yet to the Games. Here’s an in-depth look at India’s preparations, key athletes, and what to expect from their performances in Paris.
India’s Ambitious Goals for Paris 2024
India has set its sights on a new record in the 2024 Olympics, aiming to exceed its previous medal tally of seven—one gold, two silver, and four bronze medals achieved during the Tokyo 2020 Games. With the opening ceremony set to commence along the picturesque Seine River, the Indian delegation is poised to make a formidable impression.
A Strong Contingent
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced that India will be represented by 117 athletes across 16 of the 32 sports in the competition. This marks a significant increase in the number of athletes compared to previous years, reflecting India’s commitment to enhancing its performance on the world stage.
Star Athletes to Watch
Several Indian athletes are expected to shine at the Paris Olympics. These include:
Neeraj Chopra: Javelin Thrower Extraordinaire
Neeraj Chopra, India’s most renowned track-and-field athlete, is preparing to defend his Olympic gold medal in men’s javelin throw. Chopra’s victory in Tokyo 2020 was a historic achievement for Indian athletics. He will face strong competition from Germany’s Max Dehning, who has recently made headlines by becoming the youngest javelin thrower to breach the 90-meter mark. Chopra’s personal best stands at 89.94 meters, with his Tokyo throw reaching 87.58 meters. Despite the formidable competition, Chopra’s training and past performances position him as a strong contender for another gold.
Nikhat Zareen: Boxing’s Rising Star
Nikhat Zareen, a two-time World Champion in boxing, is set to make her Olympic debut in the 50kg weight category. Zareen has demonstrated exceptional form leading up to the Olympics, and experts are optimistic about her chances of securing a medal. She will be looking to step out of the shadow of Mary Kom, who became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic boxing medal in 2012. Alongside Zareen, Lovlina Borgohain will compete in the 75kg weight category. Borgohain, who clinched bronze in Tokyo, has shown impressive growth in her career, and fans are hopeful she will continue her upward trajectory in Paris.
Mirabai Chanu: Weightlifting’s Hopeful
Mirabai Chanu, who won a silver medal in women’s weightlifting at Tokyo 2020, is aiming to improve her medal count in Paris. Despite battling a hip injury that has affected her training, Chanu remains a formidable competitor. With a personal best of 207 kg (88 kg in snatch and 119 kg in clean and jerk), she is expected to challenge rivals such as China’s Hou Zhihui and Jourdan Delacruz from the US.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty: Badminton’s Dynamic Duo
In badminton, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty stand out as India’s most promising players. The duo holds a World No. 3 ranking in men’s doubles and has achieved notable victories in tournaments like the Asian Games, Asian Championships, and World Championships. PV Sindhu, who already has an Olympic medal, will also be competing in the women’s singles, aiming to enhance her track record.
The Men’s Hockey Team: Aiming for Glory
The Indian men’s hockey team is looking to build on its historic Tokyo 2020 performance, where it secured an Olympic medal after a 40-year gap. Although recent pro league matches have been underwhelming, there is hope that the team will deliver a strong performance in Paris. Fans are eager to see if the team can replicate or surpass their Tokyo success.
Sift Kaur Samra: Shooting’s Rising Star
In shooting, Sift Kaur Samra has emerged as a promising talent. She recently set a world record in the women’s 50m rifle three positions at the Asian Games, scoring 469.6 points to win gold. This achievement highlights her potential to secure a medal in Paris.
Antim Panghal and Vinesh Phogat: Wrestling’s Contenders
Wrestling has been a strong sport for India, with seven Olympic medals to its name. Antim Panghal, who qualified for the Olympics ahead of Vinesh Phogat, is currently in excellent form and has been performing well in international competitions. Phogat, a two-time Olympian who led protests against allegations of sexual harassment within the wrestling federation, is also expected to make a strong showing.
Other Notable Athletes
Several other athletes from India’s contingent are also worth mentioning:
- Avinash Sable: A steeplechaser who has shown impressive performances in previous competitions.
- Jyothi Yarraji: Making history as India’s first participant in the women’s 100m hurdles.
- The Men’s Relay Team: Demonstrating strong performances in Tokyo and World Championships.
Preparations and Support
India’s preparation for the Olympics has been marked by substantial efforts to provide athletes with the support they need. This includes mental conditioning experts and personal coaches to enhance their performance. PT Usha, a legendary figure in Indian athletics and the president of the IOA, has expressed confidence in achieving a “double-digit medal tally” for the 2024 Olympics.
Challenges and Hopes
The road to Paris has not been without its challenges. From injuries and operational issues to competitive pressures, Indian athletes have faced numerous hurdles. However, the commitment to improvement and the support from various quarters underscore the country’s determination to excel.
Conclusion
As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, India’s athletes are preparing to showcase their talents and bring home medals. With a strong contingent, a focus on key players, and significant preparations, India is set to make a powerful impact on the global stage. The coming weeks will reveal how these athletes perform under the Olympic spotlight and whether they can surpass the achievements of their predecessors.
