The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris marked a significant chapter in India’s sporting history. With a contingent of 110 athletes competing across 16 sports, India secured a total of six medals: one silver and five bronze. While this tally did not surpass the seven medals achieved at Tokyo 2020, it equaled the country’s performance at London 2012, making it India’s joint-second best Olympic haul to date. Olympics+4
🥈 Medal Highlights
Neeraj Chopra – Silver in Men's Javelin Throw
Neeraj Chopra, the defending Olympic champion from Tokyo 2020, clinched the silver medal in the men’s javelin throw event. With this achievement, he became the first Indian athlete to win both a gold and a silver medal at the Olympics, solidifying his status as one of India’s premier track and field athletes.
Manu Bhaker – Double Bronze in Shooting
Shooter Manu Bhaker made history by becoming the first Indian since independence to win two medals at a single Olympics. She secured bronze medals in both the women’s 10m air pistol event and the mixed 10m air pistol team event, where she partnered with Sarabjot Singh. Wikipedia+4
Swapnil Kusale – Bronze in Men's 50m Rifle Three Positions
Swapnil Kusale added to India’s shooting accolades by winning a bronze medal in the men’s 50m rifle three positions event. This marked India’s seventh Olympic medal in shooting, highlighting the country’s growing prowess in the sport.
Men's Field Hockey Team – Bronze
The Indian men’s field hockey team continued their resurgence by securing a bronze medal after defeating Spain 2-1 in the third-place playoff. This victory marked India’s second consecutive Olympic bronze in men’s hockey, with captain Harmanpreet Singh scoring both goals in the match.
Aman Sehrawat – Bronze in Men's Freestyle Wrestling (57kg)
At just 21 years old, Aman Sehrawat became the youngest Indian to win an Olympic medal by clinching bronze in the men’s freestyle 57kg wrestling category. His achievement underscores the potential of India’s next generation of wrestlers.
📊 Overall Performance and Analysis
India’s six medals at Paris 2024 placed the country 71st in the overall medal standings among 206 participating nations. While the absence of a gold medal was a point of discussion, the performance showcased consistency and growth in several disciplines.
Sport-Specific Performances
Shooting: The sport emerged as a stronghold, contributing three bronze medals. The performances of Manu Bhaker and Swapnil Kusale indicate a positive trajectory for Indian shooting.
Athletics: Neeraj Chopra’s silver was a standout, but overall, athletics saw limited success, pointing to the need for broader development in track and field events.
Wrestling: Aman Sehrawat’s bronze added to India’s rich wrestling legacy, suggesting a promising future for the sport.
Hockey: The men’s team’s consecutive bronze medals signal a revival in Indian hockey, rekindling hopes of returning to former glories.
🌟 Notable Achievements and Records
Manu Bhaker: First Indian since independence to win two medals at a single Olympics.
Neeraj Chopra: First Indian athlete to win both a gold and a silver medal at the Olympics.
Aman Sehrawat: Youngest Indian to secure an Olympic medal, at 21 years old.
Men’s Hockey Team: Achieved back-to-back Olympic bronze medals, signaling a strong comeback in the sport.
🔭 Looking Ahead
While the Paris 2024 Olympics did not surpass India’s previous medal tally, the performances indicate a stable and promising foundation for future games. The emergence of young talents like Aman Sehrawat and the consistent performances in shooting and hockey suggest that with targeted investments and training, India can aim for higher achievements in upcoming Olympics.
The focus moving forward should be on converting near misses into podium finishes, expanding support across a broader range of sports, and fostering young talent through grassroots programs and international exposure.
India’s journey at the Paris 2024 Olympics, marked by historic achievements and promising performances, sets the stage for a brighter and more successful future in the global sporting arena.