Team India is all set for the Paris Olympics 2024. There is no shortage of stars and the contingent is brimming with talent. A couple of massive names include the likes of Neeraj Chopra, Mirabai Chanu, PV Sindhu and Lovlina Borgohain.
5 Returning Medallists
India’s contingent for the Paris 2024 Olympics boasts five returning medallists, including star athletes Neeraj Chopra, Mirabai Chanu, PV Sindhu, Lovlina Borgohain, and the men’s hockey team. These athletes were instrumental in India’s impressive medal haul of seven in Tokyo, with wrestlers Ravi Dahiya and Bajrang Punia rounding out the list.
1 Defending Champion
Neeraj Chopra, India’s first track and field Olympic gold medallist, stands as the defending champion in men’s javelin throw. His presence adds significant weight to India’s aspirations for gold in Paris, following his historic triumph in Tokyo.
72 Debutants
A notable feature of India’s Paris-bound squad is the inclusion of 72 athletes making their Olympic debut, comprising 61% of the total contingent. Among them are promising talents like two-time boxing world champion Nikhat Zareen, junior world wrestling champions Antim Panghal and Reetika Hooda, and emerging stars such as sprinter Jyothi Yarraji and javelin sensation Kishore Kumar Jena.
14-Year-Old Prodigy
Dhinidhi Desinghu, aged 14, will be the youngest Indian athlete at the Paris Olympics and one of the youngest in Olympic history. Her participation highlights India’s commitment to nurturing young talent across diverse sports disciplines.
Male Wrestling Representation
India will be represented by only one male wrestler at Paris 2024, Aman Sehrawat, competing in the 57 kg category. This marks a departure from the two male wrestlers who medalled in Tokyo, highlighting the challenges and evolving dynamics in men’s freestyle wrestling in India.
Record-Breaking Shooting Quotas
India’s shooting contingent enters Paris on a high note, having secured a record 21 quotas across various categories. This achievement reflects the growing prowess of Indian shooters on the international stage.
Multiple Event Participants
Parul Chaudhary and Manu Bhaker are set to compete in multiple individual events at the 2024 Olympics. Parul will feature in the women’s 5000m run and 3000m steeplechase, while Manu aims for excellence in the women’s 10m air pistol and 25m pistol events.
Senior Members
Table tennis stalwart Sharath Kamal, aged 42, will lead as India’s flagbearer and senior-most athlete in his fifth Olympic appearance. Meanwhile, Rohan Bopanna, at 43, brings experience and skill to the men’s doubles event, highlighting his enduring contribution to Indian tennis.
Total Contingent Size
India will send a total of 117 athletes across 16 sports disciplines to Paris, slightly fewer than the 121 athletes who competed in Tokyo. This contingent includes 47 women athletes, reflecting India’s focus on gender inclusivity and the significant role played by women in recent Olympic successes.
India’s squad for the Paris Olympics 2024 presents a diverse mix of seasoned champions and promising newcomers, poised to showcase their talent on the global stage and strive for further glory in their respective disciplines.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
