India’s Journey at Paris 2024: A Mix of Triumphs and Heartbreaks
The Paris 2024 Olympics marked another chapter in India’s evolving sporting legacy. With a strong contingent of 117 athletes, India set out to secure medals and etch their names in Olympic history. The event, held from July 26 to August 11, 2024, saw India clinch a total of six medals—one silver and five bronze—marking a notable yet bittersweet performance.
Medal Highlights and Record-Breaking Performances
Manu Bhaker emerged as one of the standout performers for India, making history by winning the nation’s first medal at Paris 2024. She secured a bronze in shooting, becoming the first Indian woman to earn an Olympic shooting medal.
Bhaker’s triumph didn’t end there; she went on to clinch another bronze in the mixed team 10m air pistol event alongside Sarabjot Singh, making her the first Indian to win two medals in a single Olympic edition.
Shooting proved to be a strong suit for India this time, with Swapnil Kusale contributing to the country’s medal tally by adding a third shooting medal. This feat marked India’s most successful Olympic performance in shooting to date.
In athletics, Neeraj Chopra further solidified his place in Olympic history by winning a silver medal in the javelin throw, making him India’s most successful individual Olympian. The Indian men’s hockey team also replicated their success from Tokyo 2020 by securing another bronze, reaffirming their position as a dominant force in the sport. Wrestling saw a new star rise, as Aman Sehrawat became the youngest Indian to win an Olympic medal, earning a bronze.
Missed Opportunities and Near Misses for India at Paris Olympics
Despite these achievements, India’s campaign at Paris 2024 was also marred by several near misses. The country narrowly missed out on six potential medals, with athletes finishing in agonizing fourth-place positions. Notable among them were Lakshya Sen in badminton, Mirabai Chanu in weightlifting, and Manu Bhaker, who came close to securing a third medal at the Games.
Adding to the disappointment was Vinesh Phogat’s unexpected disqualification just before a historic final, leaving the Indian contingent and fans alike disheartened.
India’s participation spanned 69 medal events across 16 sports, ranging from archery and athletics to boxing and table tennis. Despite the heartbreaks, the overall performance reflected the growing competitiveness and depth of talent in Indian sports.
As India reflects on its Paris 2024 journey, the six medals serve as a testament to the athletes’ dedication and skill, while the close misses underscore the fine margins that define success at the highest level of sport. With each Olympic cycle, India continues to build on its legacy, aiming for greater glory in the years to come.
