Paris Olympic 2024: Indian Superheros
The Paris Olympics 2024 has been a remarkable event for India so far, showcasing incredible talent, resilience, and determination. India's journey at the Paris 2024 Olympics started on July 25th with archery.
A delegation of 112 Indian athletes, competing for medals in 69 events across 16 sports, will compete until the Games conclude on August 11th. Archery, athletics, badminton, boxing, equestrian, golf, hockey, judo, rowing, sailing, shooting, swimming, wrestling, table tennis, and tennis are the 16 sports Indian athletes will be competing in at Paris 2024.
Paris 2024 Olympics: India’s medal winners
| Athlete |
Event |
Sport |
Medal |
| Manu Bhaker |
Women's 10m air pistol |
Shooting |
Bronze |
| Manu Bhaker-Sarabjot Singh |
Mixed team 10m air pistol |
Shooting |
Bronze |
| Swapnil Kusale |
Men's 50m rifle 3 positions |
Shooting |
Bronze |
Athletics boasts the largest Indian team, with a 29-member squad led by Neeraj Chopra, the Tokyo 2020 gold medalist. In the shooting category, India has fielded its largest-ever contingent, with 21 shooters aiming for glory.
While medal wins remain the primary objective, Indian athletes are also determined to pursue and potentially set new records at the Games. Heading into Paris 2024, India has a total of 35 Olympic medals in its history, including 10 gold, nine silver, and 16 bronze.
Paris 2024 Olympics India schedule
| Sport |
Start Date |
End Date |
Medal events Indians competing in |
|
| Archery |
July 25 |
August 4 |
5 |
6 |
| Athletics |
August 1 |
August 10 |
16 |
29 |
| Badminton |
July 27 |
August 5 |
4 |
7 |
| Boxing |
July 27 |
August 10 |
6 |
6 |
| Equestrian |
July 30 |
August 4 |
1 |
1 |
| Golf |
August 1 |
August 10 |
2 |
4 |
| Hockey |
July 27 |
August 8 |
1 |
16 |
| Judo |
August 2 |
August 2 |
1 |
1 |
| Rowing |
July 27 |
August 3 |
1 |
1 |
| Sailing |
August 1 |
August 6 |
2 |
2 |
| Shooting |
July 27 |
August 5 |
15 |
21 |
| Swimming |
July 28 |
July 29 |
2 |
2 |
| Table tennis |
July 27 |
August 10 |
4 |
6 |
| Tennis |
July 27 |
August 4 |
2 |
3 |
| Wrestling |
August 5 |
August 11 |
6 |
6 |
| Weightlifting |
August 7 |
August 7 |
1 |
1 |
| Total 16 |
|
|
69 |
112 |
Upcoming Chances and Medal Prospects
India’s contingent still has several events to participate in, and our hopes are high. Here are some key medal contenders:
- Neeraj Chopra: The javelin throw sensation who struck gold in Tokyo 2020. Neeraj aims to continue his dominance in Paris, contributing to India’s medal tally in athletics.
- PV Sindhu: Our badminton queen, fresh from her bronze at Tokyo, is eyeing another podium finish. Sindhu’s determination and mental strength make her a formidable competitor.
- Vinesh Phogat: The wrestler with fire in her eyes. Vinesh has battled adversity and injuries; now, she’s ready to grapple her way to glory.
- Lovlina Borgohain: The boxer who impressed us in Tokyo. Lovlina’s powerful punches could secure another medal for India.
Real Heroes: Their Journeys and Triumphs
Manu Bhaker
Manu Bhaker hails from Jhajjar, Haryana—a region known for its wrestling legacy. But Manu chose a different path: shooting. She faced societal norms, financial constraints, and gender biases. Yet, her unwavering focus led her to national championships, international podiums, and now, the Olympic stage. Manu’s journey reminds us that real heroes occur from humble beginnings, fueled by passion and resilience.
Swapnil Kusale
Swapnil’s journey began in Pune, where he trained tirelessly at the Balewadi Shooting Range. His early struggles—balancing academics, financial limitations, and rigorous practice—forged his character. At Paris 2024, Swapnil’s calm behavior and determined focus paid off. His bronze medal is a testament to years of dedication and countless hours spent perfecting his aim.
Neeraj Chopra
Neeraj Chopra hails from Khandra, a small village in Haryana. He faced significant challenges, including limited access to proper training facilities and financial constraints. Despite these obstacles, his dedication and passion for javelin throw propelled him forward.
Neeraj's journey to the top has been inspirational. He first made headlines by winning the gold medal at the 2016 South Asian Games. His success continued with a gold at the 2018 Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games. The pinnacle of his career came with a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which he followed up with another stellar performance in Paris 2024.
PV Sindhu
PV Sindhu was born in Hyderabad and started playing badminton at the age of eight. Her parents, both professional athletes, were a significant source of inspiration. However, the journey was not easy, as she had to balance rigorous training schedules with academic responsibilities.
Sindhu's rise to fame began with her bronze medal at the 2013 World Championships. She made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a silver medal in badminton at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Her perseverance and hard work paid off once again with a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Mirabai Chanu
Born in Nongpok Kakching, Manipur, Mirabai Chanu's journey to the top was fraught with hardships. Coming from a humble background, she had to overcome financial difficulties and a lack of training infrastructure.
Mirabai's breakthrough came with a silver medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. She won the gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and continued her winning streak with a silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. In Paris 2024, she once again proved her mettle by winning a silver medal, making her one of India's most decorated weightlifters.
Bajrang Punia
Bajrang Punia was born in Khudan village, Haryana. Wrestling was a family tradition, but Bajrang had to overcome many obstacles, including limited financial resources and access to training facilities.
Bajrang's dedication and hard work have been evident throughout his career. He has won multiple medals at the World Championships and Asian Games. His bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics was a testament to his tenacity, and he continued his impressive performance by winning a bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The Paris Olympics 2024 has been a testament to the spirit and determination of Indian athletes. Their journeys, marked by challenges and triumphs, serve as an inspiration to millions. As the games continue, India looks forward to more medals and more stories of grit and glory.
These real heroes not only bring pride to the nation but also represent the true essence of sportsmanship and perseverance.
