The world's biggest sporting extravaganza, the Olympic Games begin in Paris from July 26.
A strong Indian contingent of 117 athletes will be vying for Olympic glory. There are 70
men and 47 women in the team.
From Athletics to Hockey, Boxing to Wrestling, Badminton to Shooting, Archery to
Weightlifting, India is participating in 16 sporting disciplines and will be competing in 69
events for 95 medals.
In the last four Olympic Games, India’s medals tally was three, six, two and seven in 2008,
2012, 2016 and 2020 Games respectively. This time around they are hoping to do much
better.
Some of India’s top medal contenders at Paris 2024 are:
Neeraj Chopra (Javelin throw)
Neeraj Chopra is the reigning world and Olympic champion in men’s javelin throw. Besides that, he has won gold medals at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and a Diamond League Trophy. These achievements are unprecedented for an Indian athlete. Neeraj is in good form and will strive to make history by becoming the first Indian athlete to win back-to-back gold medals.
Nikhat Zareen (Boxing)
A two-time world champion and Commonwealth Games gold medalist, Nikhat Zareen's journey in boxing has been nothing short of spectacular. Known for her speed, agility, and precision inside the ring, Zareen is a formidable opponent. She is in good nick after winning gold at the recently held Elorda Cup in May and will be aiming for greater glory in Paris where she will be making her Olympic debut.
Mirabai Chanu (Weightlifting)
The Manipuri weightlifter will be looking forward for yet another Olympic podium finish after her superb performance during last Olympics in Tokyo where she bagged a silver medal. But, it has not been an easy journey for Mirabai since the Tokyo glory as she endured a tough period due to injuries. Nevertheless, she's one of the strong favourites in her category in Paris.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty (Badminton)
Former world No.1 men’s doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty are among world's top badminton doubles pair. Known for their aggressive and fearless style of play, Satwik-Chirag has recently won the French Open and Thailand Open besides finishing runners-up at the Malaysia Open and Indian Open finals earlier this year. They are in good form and will be a strong medal contender.
Antim Panghal (Wrestling)
The former World Junior champion and 2023 World Championships bronze medalist in 53kg category, Antim has received fourth seed in her field and that has helped her avoid top wrestlers. This gives her a good chance to reach the medal round but the Haryana wrestler will have to be consistent in her maiden Olympics if she has to win an Olympic medal.
Sift Kaur Samra (Shooting)
Asian Games gold medalist Sift Kaur Samra made it to the Paris squad in women's 50m rifle 3 positions after outstanding performance in the four-stage Olympic selection trials. At the Asian Games, Samra not only beat the reigning world champion but also shattered the world record by an impressive 2.6 points. Recently, she won a bronze medal at the Munich World Cup and will be determined to become India's first female shooter to win an Olympic medal.
PV Sindhu (Badminton)
A two-time Olympic medalist, Sindhu is known for coming good in big tournaments. But, her poor form in recent tournaments wherein she lost in the early rounds of both Indonesia and Singapore Open events will be a concern. If can overcome her poor form and plays to her fullest potential, Sindhu is capable of winning her third Olympic medal.
Lovlina Borgohain (Boxing)
The bronze medal winner at Tokyo Olympics in 69kg category, Lovlina has now moved up to the 75kg category after the 69kg event was scrapped for the Olympics. Last year she won World Championships gold in the 75kg event and silver at the Grand Prix tournament in the Czech Republic last month. With her remarkable skill and determination, Borgohain is undoubtedly seen as a strong contender for a medal once again.
Manu Bhaker (Shooting)
The 2023 World Championship gold medalist, Manu Bhaker will represent India in women’s 10m air pistol, women’s 25m pistol, and 10m air pistol mixed team events. She is the only Indian participating in more than one individual event in shooting. The most successful athlete at the Olympic Selection Trials (OST), Bhaker is capable of winning her maiden Olympic medal provided she holds her nerves and do not buckle under pressure.
Men’s Hockey Team
The Indian men's hockey team won a historic bronze medal at Tokyo 2020. It was the country's first Olympic medal in hockey after 41 years. That performance has reignited the nation's love for the sport. Despite an inconsistent run at the FIH Pro League wherein they finished seventh, the team, now under coach Craig Fulton, is working hard on addressing their weaknesses. Last year, they won gold at Asian Games and Asian Champions Trophy and will be looking forward to replicate that form.
Apart from these, Indians will be hoping for dark horses and new talents to spring a surprise and contribute to the medal tally.
