India At Paris 2024: Remarkable Highs Despite A Few Lows - A Journey To Remember

Shooting: Bright Start with Mixed Results

India's journey at the Paris Olympics began with high hopes in shooting, a sport that has brought the country success in recent Games. While there were some disappointments, particularly in individual events, the Indian shooters still managed to leave their mark.

Manu Bhaker emerged as the standout performer, clinching a medal in the 10m Air Pistol event. Her composed and consistent performance under pressure showcased her growth as a shooter since her Olympic debut in Tokyo. Partnering with Sarabjot Singh, Manu Bhaker continued her success in the Mixed Team event, adding another medal to India’s tally. Swapnil Kusale also contributed to the medal haul, demonstrating his skills in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions event.

Although RF athletes Sandeep Singh and Rajeshwari Kumari did not progress beyond the qualification rounds, their participation was commendable, reflecting the depth of talent in Indian shooting. Arjun Babuta narrowly missed a podium finish as he finished 4th in the 10m Air Rifle event. The mixed skeet team of Maheshwari Chauhan and Anant Jeet Singh Naruka also came close finishing 4th in a close-contested bronze medal match against the Chinese pair.

Badminton: Close Encounters and Missed Opportunities

Indian badminton fans had much to cheer about as the nation's top shuttlers put up valiant efforts on the Olympic stage. The men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty advanced to the quarterfinals, displaying their formidable partnership and tactical brilliance. Their journey, though cut short, was a testament to their growing stature in world badminton.

In women’s singles, P.V. Sindhu lived up to her reputation as she started on a fiery note. However, her run in Paris 2024 was cut short as she failed to get past the quarterfinals. While she couldn’t replicate her medal-winning performances from Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, her run was nonetheless inspiring.

The spotlight, however, was on Lakshya Sen, who defied expectations by advancing to the semifinals in men’s singles. Despite narrowly missing out on a medal, finishing 4th, Lakshya’s performances at Paris 2024 signaled his arrival as a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.

Boxing: A beacon of hope

India’s boxing contingent failed to make a huge impact at Paris 2024, but their efforts were commendable. While Nishant Dev and RF athlete Lovlina Borgohain put up their best in the quarter-final in their respective category, the nation was left heartbroken after both the pugilists’ opponents were announced winners by the judges.

However, the zeal to make a strong comeback keeps our hopes high. Lovlina Borgohain, after her exit at the Paris Olympics said, “This isn’t over, looking for a fresh start once again.” The nation will eagerly be waiting for her to be back soon.

Athletics: Breaking Barriers and Achieving Milestones

The Indian athletics contingent brought a mix of hope and excitement, with several athletes making history and reaching new heights.

Jyothi Yarraji became the first Indian hurdler to compete at the Olympics, marking a significant milestone for Indian athletics. The young RF athlete making her debut at the Olympics fell short of her best performances by small margins as she prepares herself for the upcoming challenges. Her participation was more than just symbolic; it represented the progress of Indian women in a sport that has long been dominated by other nations.

Avinash Sable continued to be a beacon of consistency, reaching the final of the 3000 m Steeplechase. His journey to the final was a hard-fought one, and while he didn’t finish on the podium, his performance was a reminder of his resilience and tenacity.

However, the star of the athletics contingent was once again Neeraj Chopra. The reigning Olympic champion from Tokyo 2020 put on a show with two season-best throws—one in the qualifying round and another in the final.

In a historic twist, Neeraj was outdone by Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who delivered a sensational performance to win gold. This marked the first time in Olympic history that the javelin throw podium did not feature a European athlete, underscoring the growing dominance of Asian athletes in the event.

Wrestling: Triumphs and Trials

Indian wrestling, a consistent source of medals since Beijing 2008, once again delivered memorable moments at Paris 2024. Nisha Dahiya saw her dreams of an Olympic medal shattered heartbreakingly. Leading 8-2 in her match, Nisha suffered an injury with just 33 seconds left, resulting in a dramatic and unfortunate loss.

In the 50kg category, Vinesh Phogat made it to the finals but faced disqualification after being overweight by a mere 100 grams. The heartbreaking incident united the people of India in pride and support of the wrestler.

The brightest moment for Indian wrestling came from Aman Sehrawat, who became India’s youngest Olympic medalist in wrestling by securing a bronze in the 57kg category. His achievement was particularly significant as he was the last Indian to win a medal at Paris 2024, ensuring that India’s proud wrestling tradition continued.

The debut of RF Athlete Reetika Hooda was another highlight, although she faced a tough challenge against the top seed, ultimately losing in a closely contested match. Her 1-1 tie, which led to her loss, reflected the fine margins in Olympic wrestling.

Hockey: A Historic Feat

Indian men’s hockey continued its resurgence, securing back-to-back Olympic medals for the first time in 52 years. The journey was filled with drama and determination, especially in the quarter-final against Great Britain, where India played with 10 men after Amit Rohidas received a red card. Despite the numerical disadvantage, India triumphed 4-2 in penalties, after being tied on 1-1 in regulation time, showcasing grit and teamwork.

However, their campaign hit a roadblock against Germany, where, despite playing high-quality hockey, India could not secure a win. The bronze medal match against Spain was a nail-biter, with India emerging victorious 3-2, adding another chapter to their storied Olympic history.

Conclusion

India finished 71st in the overall medal tally with six medals, a reflection of both progress and areas needing improvement. While the achievements in shooting, wrestling, and hockey were commendable, the results in athletics and badminton highlighted the growing competitiveness of these sports globally.

As the Paris 2024 Olympics concluded, there was a sense of optimism surrounding Indian sports. The performances, though mixed, indicated that the future is bright for Indian athletes. The next four years will be crucial in building on these foundations, with an eye on greater success at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. The journey continues, and so does the pursuit of excellence, as India looks forward to creating more historic moments on the global stage.