The 2024 Paris Olympics concluded with India earning six medals—one silver and five bronze—finishing 71st in the overall medal standings. While this marks a decline from their 48th place finish in Tokyo 2020, the Games were a mix of triumphs and near misses that have deeply impacted Indian sports.

Triumphs to Celebrate

India’s successes in Paris were marked by exceptional performances:

• Neeraj Chopra added a silver medal in men’s javelin to his impressive career, showcasing his skill despite battling injuries.
• Manu Bhaker made history by winning two bronze medals: one in the women’s 10m air pistol and another in the mixed team event with Sarabjot Singh.
• Swapnil Kusale earned a bronze in the men’s 50m rifle 3-position event, contributing to India’s shooting achievements.
• Aman Sehrawat, at just 21, became the youngest Indian to medal in men’s 57kg freestyle wrestling.
• The Indian men’s hockey team clinched a bronze medal, demonstrating their consistency and adding a notable accomplishment to India’s Olympic history.

Heartbreaking Near Misses

The Games also highlighted several close calls that were just shy of a medal:

• Manu Bhaker in the 25m sports pistol and Arjun Babuta in the men’s 10m air rifle narrowly missed podium finishes.
• The mixed skeet team of Anantjeet Singh Naruka and Maheshwari Chauhan, and the archery mixed team of Ankita Bhakat and B. Dhiraj also came close.
• Lakshya Sen in badminton and Mirabai Chanu in weightlifting missed out on medals by slim margins.
• In boxing, Nishant Dev and Lovlina Borgohain fell in the quarterfinals, just short of medaling.
• The unexpected disqualification of Vinesh Phogat in the women’s 50kg wrestling final was a major setback, impacting India’s hopes for a higher medal count.

Looking Ahead

While India’s performance in Paris included both highs and lows, it highlights the potential and determination of its athletes. Despite falling short of medal goals, the experiences of these near-misses underscore the need for continued support and improvement in sports infrastructure.

These close calls and disappointments remind us of the intense competition at the Olympics and the fine line between success and failure. As India prepares for future Games, the focus will be on transforming these near-misses into achievements, building on successes, and addressing the challenges faced.

The 2024 Paris Olympics have set a stage for reflection and growth, with hopes to rise higher in the future. With ongoing dedication and support, India’s Olympic dreams remain within reach.

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