The Paris Olympics 2024 is just round the corner and India is all set to display their extraordinary skills and bag a lot of medals.
India has a rich history in the Olympic Games, with athletes showcasing remarkable performances across various disciplines. From the early days of participating in the Olympics to the more recent editions, Indian athletes have achieved significant milestones. Here is a comprehensive list of India’s Olympic medalists, detailing the winners, the events they excelled in, and the editions of the Games in which they triumphed.
1. Norman Pritchard – 1900 Paris Olympics: 2 Silver Medals
Norman Pritchard became the first Indian to win Olympic medals by securing silver in both the 200 meters and 200 meters hurdles. His achievement marked the beginning of India’s journey in the Olympic Games, setting a precedent for future athletes to follow.
2. Men’s Field Hockey Team – 1928 Amsterdam Olympics: Gold Medal
India won its first Olympic gold medal in field hockey, beginning a golden era in the sport. The team displayed exceptional skill and coordination, dominating their opponents and setting a high standard for future generations.
3. Men’s Field Hockey Team – 1932 Los Angeles Olympics: Gold Medal
Continuing their dominance, the Indian men’s field hockey team secured another gold medal. Their performance in the 1932 Olympics further established India as a powerhouse in field hockey, with their seamless teamwork and strategic gameplay.
4. Men’s Field Hockey Team – 1936 Berlin Olympics: Gold Medal
The team won their third consecutive gold medal, further solidifying their supremacy. Their unmatched prowess on the field during this period is a proud chapter in India’s Olympic history, demonstrating their consistent excellence.
5. Men’s Field Hockey Team – 1948 London Olympics: Gold Medal
Post-independence, India’s hockey team clinched the gold, maintaining their winning streak. This victory was particularly significant as it symbolized a new era for the nation and showcased the enduring strength of Indian hockey.
6. K.D. Jadhav – 1952 Helsinki Olympics: Bronze Medal
K.D. Jadhav became the first Indian individual to win an Olympic medal in wrestling. His dedication and hard work paved the way for future Indian wrestlers on the international stage, highlighting the potential of Indian athletes in diverse sports.
7. Men’s Field Hockey Team – 1956 Melbourne Olympics: Gold Medal
India’s field hockey team continued their golden run with another top podium finish. Their consistent success highlighted the team’s exceptional talent and dedication to the sport, contributing to India’s legacy in Olympic history.
8. Men’s Field Hockey Team – 1960 Rome Olympics: Silver Medal
The team won a silver medal, marking the end of their consecutive gold streak. Despite not winning gold, their performance remained commendable and showcased their resilience and adaptability in the face of strong competition.
9. Men’s Field Hockey Team – 1964 Tokyo Olympics: Gold Medal
India’s hockey team reclaimed the gold medal, demonstrating their determination and skill. This victory reinstated their position as champions in the sport and was a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence.
10. Men’s Field Hockey Team – 1968 Mexico City Olympics: Bronze Medal
The team secured a bronze medal in the competition. Their ability to remain among the top teams in the world was a testament to their enduring talent and hard work, ensuring that India remained a formidable force in field hockey.
11. Men’s Field Hockey Team – 1972 Munich Olympics: Bronze Medal
India’s field hockey team won another bronze medal. Their continued presence on the Olympic podium underscored their lasting excellence in the sport and their ability to compete at the highest level consistently.
12. Men’s Field Hockey Team – 1980 Moscow Olympics: Gold Medal
The team clinched the gold medal, marking their eighth and last Olympic gold in field hockey. This victory was a fitting end to an era of unparalleled dominance, celebrating their legacy as one of the greatest teams in Olympic history.
13. Leander Paes – 1996 Atlanta Olympics: Bronze Medal
Leander Paes won a bronze, becoming the first Indian to win an Olympic medal in tennis. His achievement inspired a new generation of tennis players in India and highlighted the potential for Indian athletes in a variety of sports.
14. Karnam Malleswari – 2000 Sydney Olympics: Bronze Medal
Karnam Malleswari made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal. Her success brought attention to women’s sports in India and encouraged more female athletes to pursue their dreams, breaking new ground for future generations.
15. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore – 2004 Athens Olympics: Silver Medal
Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore’s silver marked a significant achievement in shooting for India. His precise skills and determination were a source of national pride, demonstrating the growing prowess of Indian shooters on the international stage.
16. Abhinav Bindra – 2008 Beijing Olympics: Gold Medal
Abhinav Bindra became the first Indian individual gold medalist. His historic win in shooting was a moment of immense pride for the nation, showcasing the highest level of dedication and excellence in his sport.
17. Vijender Singh – 2008 Beijing Olympics: Bronze Medal
Vijender Singh’s bronze was a landmark in Indian boxing. His achievement highlighted the potential of Indian boxers on the global stage, encouraging a new wave of talent in the sport.
18. Sushil Kumar – 2008 Beijing Olympics: Bronze Medal
Sushil Kumar added to India’s medal tally in wrestling. His performance was a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport, paving the way for future success in Indian wrestling.
19. Sushil Kumar – 2012 London Olympics: Silver Medal
Sushil Kumar became the first Indian to win two individual Olympic medals. His consistency and excellence were celebrated across the country, marking him as one of India’s greatest Olympians.
20. Vijay Kumar – 2012 London Olympics: Silver Medal
Vijay Kumar’s silver was a proud moment for Indian shooting. His precise aim and focus earned him a well-deserved place on the podium, adding to India’s growing reputation in the sport.
21. Gagan Narang – 2012 London Olympics: Bronze Medal
Gagan Narang won a bronze in shooting. His achievement showcased the growing strength of Indian shooters in the Olympics, highlighting their capability to compete with the best in the world.
22. Mary Kom – 2012 London Olympics: Bronze Medal
Mary Kom, a legendary boxer, secured a bronze. Her success was a milestone for Indian women in boxing and inspired many young athletes, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in the sport.
23. Saina Nehwal – 2012 London Olympics: Bronze Medal
Saina Nehwal won India’s first Olympic medal in badminton. Her achievement brought the sport into the limelight in India, inspiring countless young badminton players across the nation.
24. Yogeshwar Dutt – 2012 London Olympics: Bronze Medal
Yogeshwar Dutt added to India’s success in wrestling. His dedication and hard work were evident in his performance, contributing to the rich legacy of Indian wrestling at the Olympics.
25. P.V. Sindhu – 2016 Rio Olympics: Silver Medal
P.V. Sindhu became the first Indian woman to win a silver medal. Her remarkable journey to the final captured the nation’s imagination, making her an icon for aspiring athletes.
26. Sakshi Malik – 2016 Rio Olympics: Bronze Medal
Sakshi Malik won a bronze, marking a historic win for Indian women in wrestling. Her triumph was a source of inspiration for many, showcasing the strength and determination of Indian women athletes.
27. Neeraj Chopra – 2020 Tokyo Olympics: Gold Medal
Neeraj Chopra won India’s first Olympic gold in athletics. His outstanding throw brought immense pride and joy to the country, marking a historic achievement in India’s Olympic journey.
28. Mirabai Chanu – 2020 Tokyo Olympics: Silver Medal
Mirabai Chanu secured a silver, opening India’s medal tally in Tokyo. Her achievement was a testament to her strength and determination, inspiring future generations of weightlifters.
29. Ravi Kumar Dahiya – 2020 Tokyo Olympics: Silver Medal
Ravi Kumar Dahiya’s silver was a proud moment for Indian wrestling. His relentless effort and skill were celebrated nationwide, contributing to India’s rich tradition in the sport.
30. Lovlina Borgohain – 2020 Tokyo Olympics: Bronze Medal
Lovlina Borgohain won a bronze, continuing India’s boxing legacy. Her success highlighted the potential of Indian women in the sport and inspired many young boxers to follow in her footsteps.
31. P.V. Sindhu – 2020 Tokyo Olympics: Bronze Medal
P.V. Sindhu added another Olympic medal to her collection. Her consistency and dedication to badminton were commendable, solidifying her status as one of India’s greatest athletes.
32. Men’s Field Hockey Team – 2020 Tokyo Olympics: Bronze Medal
The Indian men’s hockey team won a bronze after a long wait since 1980. Their achievement reignited the nation’s passion for field hockey, celebrating the team’s enduring talent.
33. Bajrang Punia – 2020 Tokyo Olympics: Bronze Medal
Bajrang Punia secured a bronze in wrestling. His achievement was a testament to his hard work and dedication, contributing to India’s impressive record in Olympic wrestling.
From the early 20th century to the present day, Indian athletes have made the nation proud with their remarkable achievements at the Olympics. As India gears up to participate in the Paris Olympics 2024, the hope for more medals and greater glory remains in the hearts of the audience.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
