At the 2024 Olympics in Paris, the Indian contingent made waves with spirited performances in various disciplines. As the games come to a close, India has secured six medals.
The journey began with the stellar performance of Manu Bhaker, a young shooting sensation who won the bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event. Bhaker’s remarkable feat not only marked India’s first medal at the Paris Olympics but also made her the first female shooter to win an Olympic medal.
Bhaker’s success continued. She won another bronze medal in the mixed-team event alongside Sarabjot Singh, further solidifying India’s position in the shooting arena.
The Indian men’s hockey team also contributed to the medal tally, securing a bronze medal after defeating Spain in a thrilling match.
Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic and world champion javelin thrower, added to India’s glory by winning the silver medal in the men’s javelin throw competition. Chopra’s throw of 89.45m in the second round secured his position on the podium and marked a significant milestone as he became the first Indian track-and-field athlete to achieve two Olympic medals.
While the Indian contingent has had its share of successes, the road to Olympic glory has been paved with challenges. Several athletes, including PV Sindhu, Satwik & Chirag, Nikhat Zareen, Sift Samra, Manika Batra, and Sreeja Akula, faced disappointments in their respective events. These setbacks have sparked discussions about the need for better training, infrastructure, and support for Indian athletes to compete at the highest level.
Despite the mixed results, the Indian contingent has shown resilience and determination, with athletes like Aman Sehrawat winning a bronze medal in wrestling.