India is shining brighter in the world of sports with many athletes shining in a variety of sports like Cricket, Tennis, Athletics, Badminton and many more. After a recent triumph in Cricket, fans will be hoping for similar performances from the country’s athletes at the upcoming Summer Olympic games. With Paris hosting the mega event, Indian athletes - away from the country for the preparations are wrapping up their training and will head towards the 2024 Olympic Village. The Paris Olympics 2024 will start on July 26. The 15-day event will have its concluding ceremony on August 11, 2024. Here is how India has performed in the past and the top five contenders for the medals at the Paris Olympics 2024. International Olympic Day 2024 Date and Theme: History and Significance of Olympic Day Run That Promotes Olympic Values To Try New Sports and Other Physical Activities.

Celebrating 124 years in the Olympics, India’s past performances have not been very encouraging. India won two silver medals in its very first appearance back in 1900 with Norman Pritchard being the sole winner for the country. But it made history as India became the first Asian country to win a medal at the Olympic games. With hit and miss in later editions, India made a mark on the 2012 Summer Olympics with a total of six medals and in the recent 2020 Tokyo Olympics India bettered the tally with seven medals. Some of the medal winners in the 2020 Olympics are still part of India’s Olympic squad. Check out the top five Athletes who are medal contenders for India.

1 Neeraj Chopra: Javelin Throw

Everyone is banking on the ‘Golden Boy’ of the Indian Athletics. The stat Javelin thrower won a Gold Medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and still is in his best form. Since his last ‘mega’ achievement, the star won many medals on the national and world stage. Kishore Jena is the only other Indian Javelin thrower who qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024 and will also aim for a podium finish. Vinesh Phogat Secures Paris Olympics 2024 Quota in Women’s Wrestling 50kg Event, Enters Final of Asian Qualifiers.

2. PV Sindhu: Badminton

Another past medalist is in the mix here. PV Sindhu won a bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics but will want to better her performance at the Paris Games. The former number-one player will have familiar foes against her but her experience and abilities will play a major role in favour of the Indian shuttler.    Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will also be in contention with their recent run of form.

3. Aditi Ashok: Golf

No, not all the past winners are hopefuls for the medal in the Paris Olympics 2024. India might have a chance to bag a medal in Golf – one of lesser lesser-followed sports in the nation. Aditi will look to inspire young people to join in the sport with a performance to remember at the Paris Olympics 2024. A medal win in Golf will certainly be a bright spot in India’s growing multi-sport dominance.

4. Indian Men’s Hockey Team: Team Sport Hockey

One of India's strongholds in the sport is Hockey. With a total of 12 medals – eight gold, one silver and three bronze in the past, the Indian Men’s Hockey team will look to bring back the glorious days with a Medal at the Paris Olympics 2024. Even though the team has been struggling lately, a strong start to the campaign will boost their confidence. Sumit Nagal Confirms Qualification for Paris Olympics 2024, Writes ‘This Is a Monumental Moment for Me’ (See Post).

5. Mirabai Chanu: Weightlifting

A former champion and India’s strongest woman will be aiming for her second straight medal. She said her target is a total lift of 200-210kgs and to ensure she lifts 90kg in snatch. Training under India’s special program for the Olympics Mirabai will also be the biggest hope for the medal. She is the only Indian athlete in the sport putting a lot of responsibility on her.

Along with these bright athletes, Table Tennis and archery could provide a great opportunity for Indian athletes to shine. Wrestlers like Antim Panghal and Vinesh Phogat will try to win and add to the medal tally. India’s performance at the recent Asian games has been a very encouraging sign for Indian Sport and with can expect a better output from the Athletes at the Paris Olympics 2024.

 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 01, 2024 08:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).