India sent a strong and determined contingent of 117 athletes to the Paris 2024 Olympics, eager for victory and eternal glory. Over the course of the games, which ran from July 26 to August 11, these athletes left their mark, securing six medals "“ a single silver and five bronze. While these victories brought pride, the journey was also filled with heartbreaks.
Breaking Barriers: Manu Bhaker's Historic Feats
Manu Bhaker emerged as a standout performer. She clinched the first medal for India in Paris by winning a bronze, becoming the first Indian woman to claim an Olympic shooting medal. Her determination didn't stop there; Bhaker made history by becoming the first Indian to win two medals at a single edition of the Olympics. Partnering with Sarabjot Singh, she secured another bronze in the mixed team 10m air pistol event.
Shooting Stars: India's Biggest Medal Haul in a Single Sport
Shooting proved to be a fruitful arena for India at Paris 2024. Swapnil Kusale added another medal, marking India's most successful showing in a single sport at an Olympic event. This achievement highlighted India's growing prowess in shooting, setting a new benchmark for future competitions.
Resilience and Glory: Hockey and Neeraj Chopra
The Indian men's hockey team replicated their Tokyo 2020 success, bringing home a bronze once again. Their performance was a testament to their consistency and fighting spirit. Meanwhile, Neeraj Chopra continued his reign in athletics, securing a silver medal in the javelin throw. With this win, Chopra cemented his legacy as India's most successful individual Olympian.
| Athlete Name | Medal Won | Type of Medal | Date Won |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manu Bhaker - 2 Sarabjot Singh - 1 bronze | 2 | Bronze (Individual Shooting), Bronze (Mixed Team Shooting) | July 29, 2024 |
| Swapnil Kusale | 1 | Bronze (Shooting) | August 2, 2024 |
| Indian Men's Hockey Team | 1 | Bronze (Hockey) | August 10, 2024 |
| Neeraj Chopra | 1 | Silver (Javelin Throw) | August 5, 2024 |
| Aman Sehrawat | 1 | Bronze (Wrestling) | August 11, 2024 |
This table now includes the specific dates on which each medal was won during the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Aman Sehrawat: A Young Star on the Rise
Aman Sehrawat became India's youngest Olympic medallist by claiming a bronze in wrestling. His achievement added a new chapter to India's wrestling history and provided hope for the future of the sport.
Missed Opportunities: The Heartbreaking Near-Misses
Despite the celebrations, India also faced several disappointments. Six potential medals slipped away, with athletes finishing fourth in their events, including stars like Lakshya Sen, Mirabai Chanu, and even Manu Bhaker, who narrowly missed a third medal. Vinesh Phogat's unexpected disqualification before a historic final added further pain to the Indian camp.
The Journey So Far: Reflecting on India's Olympic Legacy
India's journey at the Paris 2024 Olympics involved 69 medal events across 16 sports, including archery, badminton, and boxing. Returning Olympians like Neeraj Chopra, PV Sindhu, and others led the charge, building on the foundation laid by past Indian sports legends. Since its Olympic debut, India has won 41 medals, with hockey leading the tally. This year's haul, while mixed, adds to the rich tapestry of India's Olympic history.
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