The 2024 Paris Olympics marked another milestone in India’s journey on the global sporting stage. With a total of six medals—one silver and five bronze—India’s performance was its joint-second best at the Summer Games, equalling the medal tally achieved at Tokyo 2020. This performance places India in 71st position among the 84 countries that won medals in Paris. While the overall medal tally may not have reached the heights of some of the world’s top sporting nations, the stories behind these six medals are a testament to the grit, determination, and emerging talent of Indian athletes across multiple disciplines.
This article delves into India’s performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, examining the medals won in shooting, hockey, athletics, and wrestling, and the broader implications of these achievements for Indian sports.
Shooting: A Golden Opportunity Seized
Shooting has historically been one of India’s strongest disciplines at the Olympics, and Paris 2024 was no different. Indian shooters showcased their mettle once again, securing three medals in a field teeming with global talent. This was a continuation of India’s success in shooting, underpinned by rigorous training, technological advancements, and a strong grassroots development program.
Manu Bhaker: The Steely Nerve of a Young Champion
The first medal for India in Paris came from the ever-reliable Manu Bhaker, who won a bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event. Manu, who had burst onto the international scene as a teenager, had been one of India’s brightest prospects in shooting. Her journey to the podium was not easy—facing stiff competition from seasoned shooters—but her calm demeanor and focus under pressure paid off.
Manu’s bronze was more than just a medal; it was a symbol of her resilience. In Tokyo 2020, despite being one of the favorites, she had missed out on a medal, which was a tough blow for the young athlete. However, her Paris performance proved that she had learned from that experience and returned stronger, both mentally and technically.
Sarabjot Singh and Manu Bhaker: A Winning Partnership
Manu Bhaker’s success didn’t end with her individual performance. She paired with Sarabjot Singh to secure another bronze in the mixed team 10m air pistol event. This event, which has gained popularity since its introduction, tests not just the individual skill but the chemistry between the shooters. Manu and Sarabjot’s performance in the final was a masterclass in teamwork, as they overcame formidable opponents from countries with strong shooting traditions.
The mixed team event is also a reflection of the growing emphasis on gender equality in sports, and India’s success in this category highlights the strength of its mixed teams. For Manu, this medal was also a form of redemption, having narrowly missed out on a medal in the same event in Tokyo.
Swapnil Kushale: A Historic First in Rifle Shooting
The most historic moment for India in shooting at Paris 2024 came when Swapnil Kushale won a bronze in the men’s 3 positions rifle event. This was India’s first-ever Olympic medal in this category, and it underscored the country’s growing competence in rifle shooting, an area where it had traditionally lagged behind.
The 3 positions event is one of the most challenging in shooting, requiring athletes to excel in prone, standing, and kneeling positions. Swapnil’s performance was remarkable, as he held his nerve in a tightly contested final, edging out competitors with his precision and composure.
India’s three medals in shooting placed it 14th in the overall shooting medal standings, with China and South Korea leading the way with 10 and four medals respectively. While there is still some ground to cover to catch up with these shooting powerhouses, India’s performance in Paris shows that it is on the right path.
Hockey: A Legacy Revived
India’s national sport, hockey, has seen its share of ups and downs over the decades. From the glory days of Olympic gold medals in the mid-20th century to a period of decline, Indian hockey has been on a journey of revival in recent years. The bronze medal win at Tokyo 2020 had reignited hopes of a renaissance, and Paris 2024 saw India continue this resurgence with another bronze medal.
A Bronze Worth Gold
The Indian men’s hockey team arrived in Paris with high expectations, buoyed by their success in Tokyo and strong performances in the lead-up to the Games. The journey to the podium, however, was anything but easy. After progressing comfortably from the group stages, which included a crucial victory over archrivals Australia, India faced Great Britain in a tense quarterfinal match.
The quarterfinal win set up a semifinal clash with Germany, a match that tested India’s mettle. Despite a valiant effort, India lost to the Germans, setting up a bronze medal match against Spain. In this match, India displayed the kind of grit and determination that has become synonymous with their recent performances. A hard-fought 2-1 victory secured the bronze, marking India’s second consecutive Olympic medal in men’s hockey.
A Broader Revival
This bronze medal is more than just a continuation of India’s return to form in hockey; it is a testament to the efforts of players, coaches, and administrators who have worked tirelessly to restore Indian hockey to its former glory. The introduction of professional leagues, better infrastructure, and a focus on fitness and tactics have all contributed to this revival.
Moreover, the medal is also a reflection of the team’s unity and resilience. In recent years, Indian hockey has been characterized by its collective spirit, with players rising to the occasion when it matters most. The success in Paris is likely to inspire the next generation of hockey players and keep the momentum going for future international tournaments.
Athletics: A Silver Lining
Athletics has always been one of the most competitive and prestigious categories at the Olympics, with nations from around the world vying for supremacy on the track and field. For India, athletics has been a challenging domain, but the success of Neeraj Chopra in Tokyo 2020 had raised hopes that the country could begin to make its mark in this arena.
Neeraj Chopra: The Standard Bearer
Neeraj Chopra’s performance in Paris 2024 was eagerly anticipated. After his historic gold medal in Tokyo, the pressure was on him to deliver once again. Chopra did not disappoint, securing a silver medal in the men’s javelin throw with a season-best throw of 89.45 meters. While it was not another gold, the silver medal was a significant achievement, making Chopra one of the few athletes in the world to win multiple Olympic medals in the javelin.
Chopra’s success is emblematic of the strides that Indian athletics has made in recent years. His consistency at the highest level has brought much-needed attention to track and field sports in India, inspiring countless young athletes to take up the sport. Chopra’s dedication to his craft, his humility, and his ability to perform under pressure have made him a national hero.
A Lone Medal in Athletics
While Chopra’s silver was a moment of pride, it also highlighted the challenges that Indian athletics continues to face. Avinash Sable was the only other Indian athlete from the 27-strong contingent to reach a final, competing in the men’s 3000 meters steeplechase. Despite a valiant effort, Sable finished outside the medals, underscoring the need for further development in Indian athletics.
India’s performance in athletics at Paris 2024 shows that while there is individual brilliance, there is still a long way to go before the country can consistently compete with the best in the world. The USA dominated the athletics medal tally with 34 medals, followed by Kenya with 11 and Canada with five. For India to improve its standing, there will need to be continued investment in infrastructure, coaching, and athlete development at the grassroots level.
Wrestling: Continuing a Proud Tradition
Wrestling has been one of India’s most successful disciplines at the Olympics, with the country consistently winning medals in the sport over the past few decades. Paris 2024 was no exception, with India adding another bronze to its tally in this proud tradition.
Aman Sehrawat: The New Face of Indian Wrestling
The lone medal in wrestling at Paris 2024 came from Aman Sehrawat, who won bronze in the men’s 57kg freestyle category. Sehrawat’s performance was a testament to his skill, determination, and the strength of the Indian wrestling program. The young wrestler showed immense promise in the lead-up to the Games and delivered when it mattered most, winning crucial matches against tough opponents to secure his place on the podium.
Sehrawat’s bronze continues the legacy of Indian wrestlers who have consistently brought home Olympic medals. His success is a reflection of the depth of talent in Indian wrestling, which has been nurtured through strong coaching, rigorous training, and a supportive infrastructure.
The Vinesh Phogat Saga
India’s wrestling medal tally in Paris could still change, pending a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification in the women’s 50kg freestyle category. Phogat, one of India’s top wrestlers, was disqualified after failing a weigh-in on the morning of the final. If CAS rules in her favor, Phogat could be awarded a silver medal, adding to India’s total.
Phogat’s situation has drawn attention to the stringent and sometimes controversial rules surrounding weigh-ins and athlete eligibility. Her disqualification was a significant blow, not just for her but for Indian wrestling as a whole. However, the potential for a silver medal still offers a glimmer of hope and underscores the importance of fair and transparent processes in competitive sports.
Global Wrestling Powerhouses
In the global context, Japan led the wrestling medal tally at Paris 2024 with 10 medals, followed by Iran with eight. India’s wrestling performance, while commendable, highlights the fierce competition in the sport. To continue its success, India will need to invest in nurturing young talent, providing them with the best possible training and international exposure.
A Step Forward for Indian Sports
India’s performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with a total of six medals, reflects both progress and challenges. The medals won across four disciplines—shooting, hockey, athletics, and wrestling—demonstrate the country’s growing prowess in multiple sports. While there were moments of triumph, such as Manu Bhaker’s resilience in shooting and Neeraj Chopra’s continued excellence in javelin, there were also areas where India fell short, particularly in athletics and the absence of more widespread success.
The silver and five bronze medals place India in 71st position on the overall medal tally, a reminder that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done. The successes in Paris should serve as motivation for continued investment in sports infrastructure, athlete development, and support systems.
Looking ahead, India must focus on building on the successes of Paris 2024 and addressing the areas where improvement is needed. With a population of over a billion people, the potential for India to become a sporting powerhouse is immense. The Paris Games have shown that India is on the right path, but sustained effort and commitment will be key to achieving even greater success in future Olympic Games.
As the country reflects on its performance in Paris, it is clear that the journey of Indian sports is far from over. The six medals won at the 2024 Olympics are not just a measure of success, but a foundation upon which to build a brighter future for Indian athletes and sports enthusiasts alike
