The 2024 Paris Olympics has drawn to a close, marking the end of an eventful chapter for India on the global sporting stage. With a total of 6 medals—1 silver and 5 bronze—India secured the 71st position in the overall medal tally. While this is a drop from their 48th place finish at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where the nation celebrated 7 medals, the Paris Games were filled with moments of pride, resilience, and heartbreak.
A Mixed Start and Strong Resilience
India entered the Paris Games with high hopes, aiming for a double-digit medal tally. Despite the optimism, the journey was challenging, with several near misses and fourth-place finishes. The most significant setback came with the disqualification of wrestler Vinesh Phogat in her gold medal bout, which was a crushing blow for the nation’s medal aspirations.
However, India’s athletes showcased incredible determination and spirit, starting with shooter Manu Bhaker. Overcoming the disappointments of her pistol malfunction at the Tokyo Games, Manu made a strong comeback by clinching a bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event, marking the first medal for India in Paris.
A Double Triumph for Manu Bhaker
Manu Bhaker’s journey in Paris didn’t stop with just one medal. She made history by becoming the first Indian athlete in the post-independence era to win two medals at the same Olympic Games. Teaming up with Sarabjot Singh, Manu secured another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, defeating a formidable South Korean team. This double achievement not only lifted the spirits of the Indian contingent but also set a new benchmark for future athletes.
Shooting Shines Again
India’s success in shooting continued with Swapnil Kusale, who won a bronze in the men’s 50m rifle three-position event. Swapnil’s medal was a testament to India’s growing strength in shooting, a sport that has consistently brought laurels to the country in international competitions.
Hockey’s Return to Glory
India’s national sport, hockey, once again brought pride to the nation. The men’s hockey team secured a hard-fought victory against Spain, winning the bronze medal with a 2-1 scoreline. This win added to India’s rich legacy in hockey, bringing their total Olympic medal count in the sport to 13.
Neeraj Chopra: A Silver Lining
The golden boy of Indian athletics, Neeraj Chopra, returned to the Olympic podium, this time with a silver medal in the men’s javelin throw event. While he couldn’t defend his Tokyo 2020 gold, his silver was no less significant, marking another proud moment for India in track and field.
Aman Sehrawat: A New Star Rises
The final medal for India at the Paris Olympics came from a young and promising wrestler, Aman Sehrawat. At just 21 years old, Aman clinched the bronze in the men’s 57kg freestyle wrestling event, defeating Puerto Rican Dorian Toi Cruz with a decisive 13-5 victory. Aman’s achievement made him the youngest Indian to win an Olympic medal, signaling a bright future for Indian wrestling.
A Tale of Grit and Determination
The Paris 2024 Olympics may not have been India’s most successful campaign in terms of the medal tally, but it was a journey of resilience, determination, and emerging talents. Each medal came with its own story of struggle and triumph, adding to the rich tapestry of Indian sports.
As India looks forward to future Olympic Games, the experiences and lessons from Paris will undoubtedly fuel the nation’s pursuit of excellence in sports. The athletes’ spirit, despite the odds, serves as an inspiration for millions, reminding us all that every victory, no matter how small, is a step towards greatness.
