The Paris Olympics is just three weeks away and teams from different countries have high hopes for their top-performing athletes to win medals at the prestigious multi-sport event. India has 111 athletes qualified for the event in 82 different categories including team and individual sports. While there are many star players like Neeraj Chopra, PV Sindhu, Vinesh Phogat, and Mirabai Chanu known to the Indian sports fans there are some lesser-known stars who are capable of shining in their sport. One such name is Racewalker Priyanka Goswami. Check out details about Olympic Medal aspirant Priyanka Goswami below. PM Narendra Modi Meets Indian Contingent for Paris Olympic Games 2024 Free Live Streaming Online: Watch Interaction Between Athletes and Prime Minister.
Who is Priyanka Goswami? Which Sport is She Representing India at Paris Olympics Games 2024?
The Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh-born 28-year-old Priyanka Goswami represents India in a racewalking event. She is one of the early Paris Olympics-qualified athletes for India as she beat the mark of qualification at the India Open National Race competition 2023 in Ranchi. She practiced gymnastics in her early days and even participated in running events - but after her success in the race-walking tournament, Priyanka dedicated her efforts to perfecting the sport.
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi Met Indian Athletes Ahead of Paris Olympics 2024
Priyanka Goswami Shares Post Regarding Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Such an honour meeting Hon’ble Prime Minister @narendramodi sir and our incredible athletes heading to the 2024 Paris Olympics! 🇮🇳 Ready to give our all and make our country proud. #Paris2024 #TeamIndia https://t.co/oauVFAZLQ4
— Priyanka goswami (@Priyanka_Goswam) July 4, 2024
Winner of the 2017 national championship, Priyanka Goswami won the Indian Racewalking Championship in the 20 km race. In that win, she set a new Indian record of 1:28.45 for the distance and qualified for the Tokyo Olympics 2020, where she finished at a respectable 17 position. She bettered her performance and won a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth event, becoming the first Indian to do so. Now she has a chance to compete in the 20 KM race-walking event again at the Paris Olympics 2024. India At Paris Olympics 2024: A Look At Top 5 Athletes Who are Medal Contenders in Upcoming Summer Olympic Games.
Why Priyanka Goswami Carries Krishna Idol With Her During Competitions?
Even with hard work, skills, and passion, athletes do believe that luck plays at least 1% part in winning the competitions. While at the higher level, this 1% could be a major difference in many ways. In the case of Priyanka Goswami, it's Lord Krishna’s blessings that give her strength and required luck.
After her remarkable achievement at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, talking to reporters Priyanka gave updates on the Lord Krishna idol. Mentioning her routine she added, “I also have a Lord Krishna and I take him with me to every competition and he brought me luck today,".
While Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the athletes and encouraged them to perform their best at the Paris Olympic Games 2024 earlier on July 6 this year, Priyanka Goswami was one of the few selected athletes sent abroad for the preparations and considered as one of the medal prospects for India. She also attended PM Modi’s meeting and expressed her gratitude for the words of encouragement.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 05, 2024 12:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).