Paris 2024: Why Was A Hat Chosen As The Mascot?
The Paris Olympics 2024 mascots, at first glance appearing as red triangles with arms, are actually Phrygian caps — an enduring symbol of freedom in French history. Announced in 2022, these mascots carry the mission of demonstrating to the world that sport has the power to transform lives and deserves a central role in society. Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris Olympics 2024, emphasized that the mascots embody the vision of the Games, representing ideals rather than animals. The Phrygian cap, a familiar symbol seen on French stamps and town hall pediments, represents liberty and the French identity and spirit. Named “The Phryges” and pronounced “free-jes,” these mascots aim to encourage people to get active. Historical Significance of the Phrygian Cap The Phrygian cap’s origins trace back to present-day Turkey as early as 800 B.C., where it was a mark of free men in classical Greece, worn by freed slaves. In France, the red peaked hat became a significant symbol during the French Revolution of 1789 and is seen on busts of Marianne, the embodiment of the French Republic. Workers constructing landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower also wore these hats. The Phrygian cap has also influenced American history, appearing in images from the American Revolution and early 19th-century American art and coins. The Olympic and Paralympic Phryge The Olympic Phryge is depicted as a thoughtful and astute strategist, reflecting the spirit of Olympic athletes who measure various parameters to achieve their goals. With a sharp mind and modest demeanor, the Olympic Phryge will lead the movement of those who take part in sports, inspiring activity and determination across France. The Paralympic version of the mascot features a running prosthetic, symbolizing fearlessness and a passion for blazing trails. Regardless of the sport, she is always eager to compete and play. A Tradition of Olympic Mascots Olympic mascots, acting as ambassadors of the Olympic spirit, have been a tradition since the 1968 Winter Games in Grenoble, France. The first mascot, Shuss, was a little man on skis, designed in just one night. The 1972 Munich Games featured Waldi, a dachshund, the first mascot in the history of the Summer Games. Since then, mascots such as Schneemandl the snowman, Amik the beaver, Sam the eagle, Hodori the tiger, and Bing Dwen Dwen have embodied the spirit and values of the Games. These mascots not only give a concrete form to the Olympic spirit but also promote the history and culture of the host city, creating a festive atmosphere for the event. Read more about the Olympic mascots over the years here. As Paris prepares for the 2024 Games, the Phryges stand ready to inspire and lead, embodying the ideals of freedom, activity, and the enduring spirit of the Olympics. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony: A Grand Spectacle Unveiled
In an unprecedented display of grandeur, Paris inaugurated the 33rd Olympic Games with an extraordinary Opening Ceremony held along the Seine. This historic event, taking place after a century, featured a breathtaking journey through Parisian landmarks and concluded with a dazzling finale at the Eiffel Tower. A Blend of Tradition and Modernity The City of Light, adorned with its iconic Eiffel Tower and majestic architecture, was transformed into a surreal canvas of color and light. Conceptualized by Thierry Reboul and directed by Thomas Jolly, the ceremony blended history with contemporary artistry, celebrating the Olympics’ return to Paris after 100 years. A Journey Through Parisian Heritage The six kilometer long parade began at the Austerlitz Bridge beside the Jardin des Plantes. The route offered a picturesque view of Olympic venues including Parc Urbain La Concorde, the Esplanade des Invalides and the Grand Palais. The parade concluded at the Trocadero, where the grand finale took place. A Spectacle of Color and Music The ceremony featured a flotilla of 85 boats carrying 6,800 athletes, with Greece leading the way as the first host of the Games. Following Greece was the Refugee Olympic Team, highlighting contemporary global issues. The event was attended by hundreds of thousands of spectators, some of whom enjoyed the spectacle for free. The night sky was illuminated by water fountains and complemented by a series of performances, including a cabaret show by Lady Gaga and musical acts from top French artists like Aya Nakamura. The atmosphere was further enriched by 71 giant screens and 170 cameras, ensuring the magical experience reached every corner of Paris. Indian Contingent Shines Bright The Indian delegation, dressed in ceremonial attire featuring tricolour-themed designer kurtas and sarees, made their presence felt. Seventy-eight athletes and officials from 12 disciplines participated in the parade, led by double Olympic medallist P.V. Sindhu and five-time Olympian Sharath Kamal. Other Indian participants included archers Deepika Kumari and Tarundeep Rai, boxer Lovlina Borgohain, shooters Anjum Moudgil, Sift Kaur Samra, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar and Anish Bhanwala, paddler Manika Batra and tennis player Rohan Bopanna. Here’s a guide on how you can follow Paris Olympics 2024. As twilight descended, the bridges over the Seine were illuminated, setting the stage for the Olympic flame, marking the start of the much awaited Paris Olympics 2024. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024: Dhiraj Bommadevara- The Rising Star of Indian Archery
Indian archer Dhiraj Bommadevara has captured the spotlight at the Paris Olympics 2024 with an impressive fourth-place finish in the men’s archery ranking round. The 22-year-old’s remarkable performance has not only boosted his individual standing but also propelled the Indian team to the quarterfinals. Team Effort and Individual Excellence Dhiraj demonstrated exceptional skill and composure, scoring 681 points. His late surge in the rankings was instrumental in guiding India forward in the team event. Teammates Tarundeep Rai and Pravin Jadhav finished 14th and 39th respectively, showcasing a strong collective effort. Journey from Vijayawada to the Olympics Hailing from Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, Dhiraj’s journey to the Olympics has been marked by a series of achievements. His father, Bommadevara Shravan Kumar, a technical official with the Archery Association of India, has been a crucial influence in his career. Dhiraj began his training at the Volga Archery Academy in Vijayawada in 2006 and later joined the Indian Army in 2021 after four years of rigorous training at the Army Sports Institute in Pune. International Achievements and Rankings Ranked 15th in the world, Dhiraj secured his place at the Paris Olympics by qualifying in Bangkok. Leading up to the competition, he clinched a bronze medal at the World Cup 2024 in Antalya, Turkey, adding to his impressive resume. He was also a key member of the Indian men’s team that won a silver medal at the Asian Games 2023, alongside archers Atanu Das and Tushar Shelke, where they narrowly lost to the Republic of Korea in the final. Early Success and Continued Growth Dhiraj made his international debut in 2017 and experienced his first major success in 2021 by winning a gold medal at the World Archer Youth Championships. His rise in the sport has been swift and consistent, reflecting his dedication and talent. Inspiration and Pride for India Dhiraj Bommadevara’s outstanding performance at the Paris Olympics 2024 is a testament to his hard work and perseverance. As he continues to make strides in the world of archery, he remains a source of inspiration and pride for India. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024: When, Where And How To Watch?
Paris is all set to host the world’s biggest sporting extravaganza from the 26th July, 2024—the Paris Olympics 2024. The French capital will welcome athletes from more than 200 countries, competing in 329 events across 32 sports disciplines. Excitement Builds with New Sports The Paris Olympics 2024 will introduce four new sports events, in addition to the 28 traditional Olympic sports. The new additions include breaking, skateboarding, surfing, and sports climbing. These fresh and exciting events are expected to attract a diverse range of athletes and spectators, bringing a new dynamic to the Olympics. Early Action with Football and Rugby Sevens Although the Paris Olympics 2024 officially begins on July 26, the Football and Rugby Sevens events will start earlier, on July 24. This early start allows these popular sports to fit into the packed schedule of the Olympics, giving fans an early taste of the action. Catch All the Action Live in India Indian sports enthusiasts won’t miss a moment of the Paris Olympics 2024, thanks to Viacom18. The Indian media company has secured exclusive rights to broadcast the event, starting from July 26. Viacom18 will offer 20 concurrent feeds, ensuring extensive coverage of all the excitement. The Sports18 Network will air the Paris Olympics 2024 with comprehensive coverage. Here’s how you can catch the action:– Sports18 – 1: Broadcasting in English, with options for Tamil and Telugu.– Sports18 – 2: Offering coverage in Hindi.– Sports18 – 3: Providing the global action feed. Free Online Streaming on JioCinema For those who prefer to stream online, JioCinema OTT will provide free live streaming of the Paris Olympics 2024 in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. Live streaming will be available starting July 27, considering the time zone difference. Don’t Miss the Grand Finale The closing ceremony will be live-streamed in the early hours of Monday, August 12, ensuring that fans don’t miss the grand finale of this monumental event. A Summer to Remember As Paris prepares to host this extraordinary event, excitement is building worldwide. With new sports making their debut and extensive coverage available, the Paris Olympics 2024 promises to be a memorable and thrilling experience for all. Get ready to cheer for your favorite athletes and witness history in the making. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024: Jannik Sinner Out Of Olympics Due To This Reason
World number one Jannik Sinner has announced his withdrawal from the Paris Olympics 2024 due to tonsillitis. The Italian tennis star, who won his first Grand Slam at the Australian Open earlier this year and reached the semifinals of the French Open, shared the news on Wednesday. “I am saddened to inform you that unfortunately, I will not be able to participate in the Paris Olympic Games,” Sinner wrote in a post on X. “After a good week of clay training, I started to feel unwell. I spent a couple of days resting and during a visit, the doctor found tonsillitis and strongly advised me against playing.“ Sinner expressed his disappointment, stating, “Missing the Games is a huge disappointment as it was one of my main goals for this season. I couldn’t wait to have the honour of representing my country in this very important event. Good luck to all the Italian athletes who I will support from home.” Sinner was also scheduled to play in the men’s doubles alongside Lorenzo Musetti. His withdrawal from the event means world number two and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic will now be the top seed in the men’s singles draw. The Paris Olympics 2024 draw is set to be made on Thursday. Sinner is the latest in a series of tennis players to withdraw from the competition. Olympic silver medallist Marketa Vondrousova and Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz pulled out of the tournament on Monday. Other absences include world number three Aryna Sabalenka, Ons Jabeur, Emma Raducanu, and Ben Shelton. The tennis fixtures at the Paris Olympics 2024 will take place from July 27th, 2024 to August 4th, 2024 at Roland Garros. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024: Fashion Takes Center Stage at Paris 2024 Olympics
The Paris Olympics 2024 are shaping up to be more than just a sporting spectacle—they’re a fashion extravaganza too. Paris, famed for its elegance and style, is pulling out all the stops with LVMH, the luxury giant, leading the way. With a dazzling partnership worth around 150 million euros, LVMH is set to showcase French craftsmanship and elegance on a global stage. A Glamorous Start to the Games The excitement kicks off with a glittering event the night before the opening ceremony. LVMH’s Bernard Arnault, Comcast NBCUniversal’s Brian Roberts, Grammy winner and Louis Vuitton’s Pharrell Williams, and Vogue’s Anna Wintour will host an exclusive celebration at the Fondation Louis Vuitton, designed by Frank Gehry. This pre-Olympic bash is set to be a star-studded affair that will set the tone for the Games. Louis Vuitton and Chaumet’s Unique Touch Louis Vuitton will be front and center, creating custom trunks to carry the medals and torches. These aren’t just any medals—they’re designed by Chaumet and feature a unique hexagon shape, cut from a piece of the Eiffel Tower’s iron. It’s the first time a jeweler has designed the Olympic medals, blending Chaumet’s rich history with Olympic tradition. Berluti’s French Flair for Athletes’ Uniforms Another LVMH brand, Berluti, is dressing the French team in style. Known for its luxury leather goods and tailored clothing, Berluti is designing 1,500 outfits for the opening ceremony. With nearly 130 years of French craftsmanship, these uniforms, created in France and made in Italy under Carine Roitfeld’s direction, combine elegance with comfort. Designers Showcase Global Culture Fashion and sports have always been linked, and the Paris Games highlight this connection worldwide. Moroccan designer Ali Drissi, who crafted the Moroccan team’s outfits, reflects on this relationship: “Fashion and sports have a deep history together, especially with the rise of chic sportswear.” His designs feature national symbols, blending tradition with a universal spirit. International Brands Join the Fashion Parade Beyond LVMH, other fashion names are making waves. Ralph Lauren, a familiar face in Olympic fashion since 2008, has once again designed the USA team’s uniforms. For Team Mongolia, couture brand Michel and Amazonka created uniforms that celebrate intricate cultural motifs. And Lululemon’s Team Canada outfits feature a bold red print with a maple leaf crest. National Pride in Every Stitch Emirati designer Rawdha Al Shaafar has crafted uniforms for Team UAE in red and white, symbolizing strength and purity. The Arabic text adds a cultural touch, reflecting each country’s heritage and pride. These designs offer a unique opportunity for global exposure and highlight the diverse cultures participating in the Games. The Enduring Influence of Sports on Fashion Fashion and sports have always influenced each other. Take the polo t-shirt, for example—originally designed by French tennis star René Lacoste for the courts, it’s now a fashion staple. The blend of fashion and sports continues to evolve, with athletic wear making its mark on high fashion runways. As Paris 2024 approaches, it’s clear that the Olympics will be a celebration of both athletic talent and artistic flair. The blend of luxury fashion with the Games promises to set new benchmarks and keep the connection between fashion and sports stronger than ever. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024: Dhinidhi Desinghu: From Shy Toddler to Youngest Indian Olympian
Dhinidhi Desinghu, once a shy and reserved child, will be the youngest member of the Indian contingent at the Paris Olympics 2024. The 14-year-old swimmer qualified for the women’s 200m freestyle on a universality quota, alongside Indian swimming veteran Srihari Nataraj. This achievement is a huge step in the youngster’s career, making a dream come true much sooner than she ever expected. Early Struggles and Breakthroughs It was Dhinidhi’s parents’ decision to introduce her to swimming to help her overcome her shyness and fear of water. “But I didn’t like the water, I didn’t want to get in. I couldn’t get my feet into the pool, I couldn’t get my head inside. It was a struggle,” Dhinidhi recalls. Despite her initial reluctance, her parents, Jesitha and Desinghu, persisted, even learning to swim themselves to make her feel comfortable. At eight, Dhinidhi faced pressure during competitions, often falling sick or vomiting from anxiety. A turning point came at a state-level open meet in Mangalore. “I knew she had the talent… but then at competitions, she felt the pressure,” says Jesitha. After a difficult journey to Mangalore, Dhinidhi conquered her fears by bagging a gold medal, and never looked back. Rising Star in Indian Swimming Dhinidhi quickly established herself as a prodigious talent. She became the youngest female swimmer to win seven gold medals at the National Games and set a national record in the women’s 200m freestyle. Training She trains at Dolphin Aquatics in Bengaluru under the guidance of Dronacharya awardee Nihar Ameen and coach Madhu Kumar. “Since she’s been with us here at Dolphins, there’s never a day when she hasn’t worked hard,” says Madhu. First Taste Of International Stage Her first international exposure came at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, where she learned valuable lessons despite not having her best performance. “Standing on those blocks compared to watching on TV is so different,” she says, reflecting on the overwhelming experience. Looking Ahead to Paris and Beyond As Dhinidhi prepares for Paris 2024, her focus is on improving her personal best. “In 200m freestyle, her speed is really good in the first 50m but she can get better at finishing. If she can improve her third and fourth 50m segments, she can get a Personal Best,” says Madhu. Having Srihari Nataraj, whom she idolizes, alongside her will be an added advantage. Dhinidhi meticulously tracks her progress in a diary, noting down her goals, best practice times, and national records. She also maintains a blog to share her experiences, hoping it might help others facing similar challenges. Dreams and Aspirations Excited about the Olympics, Dhinidhi is eager to meet some of the world’s best sportspersons, including her idol Katie Ledecky. “I have made this little gift for Katie Ledecky… well, not a gift, more like a letter… I still have it. So I’ll try to give it to her,” she says. Now, she enjoys the adrenaline rush of racing and competing. “But now that I’m here, I want to reach for higher stuff. I want to see how much better I can be.” For a shy kid who once struggled to speak and hated getting into the pool, Dhinidhi has come a long way as she gears up for Paris Olympics 2024. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024: State Wise Contribution To The Indian Olympic Team
Team India is ready to make their nation proud at the Paris Olympics 2024. The mega tournament in Paris begins on July 26, 2024. As Indian athletes prepare for the event, let’s take a closer look at the states they come from. Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh has some fantastic athletes making the nation proud. We have Dhiraj Bommadevara in archery, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy in badminton, and both Jyothi Yarraji and Jyothika Sri Dandi competing in athletics. Sikkim Sikkim is shining bright with the experienced archer Tarundeep Rai leading the way, showing off the state’s passion for archery. Maharashtra Maharashtra’s contribution is remarkable, featuring Pravin Jadhav in archery, Avinash Sable and Sarvesh Kushare in athletics, Chirag Shetty in badminton, and Swapnil Kusale in shooting. Haryana Haryana, a true powerhouse in Indian sports, has a diverse lineup. Bhajan Kaur will compete in archery, while Neeraj Chopra will dazzle in athletics. The state also boasts a strong team of shooters, including Sarabjot Singh, Anish Bhanwala, Manu Bhaker, and Rhythm Sangwan. In boxing, we have Jaismine Lamboria, Amit Panghal, Nishant Dev, and Preeti Pawar, and wrestling stars Vinesh Phogat, Antim Panghal, Anshu Malik, Nisha Dahiya, and Reetika Hooda. Let’s not forget Sumit, Sanjay, and Abhishek, who will represent us in hockey. Jharkhand Jharkhand’s pride, Deepika Kumari, continues to shine brightly in archery, demonstrating the state’s exceptional talent in this sport. West Bengal From West Bengal, we have Ankita Bhakat in archery, Anush Agarwalla in equestrian, and Ayhika Mukherjee in table tennis, all ready to make a mark. Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu’s presence is strong with athletes like Jeswin Aldrin, Praveel Chithravel, Santhosh Tamilarasan, Rajesh Ramesh, Subha Venkatesan and Vithya Ramraj in athletics. They also bring Sharath Kamal and Sathiyan G in table tennis, Elavenil Valarivan and Prithviraj Tondaiman in shooting, and sailors Vishnu Saravanan and Nethra Kumanan. N Sriram Balaji will represent them in tennis. Kerala Kerala has an impressive lineup with Abdulla Aboobacker, Muhammed Anas, Muhammed Ajmal, and Mijo Chacko Kurian in athletics. In swimming, we have Srihari Nataraj and Dhinidhi Desinghu, and PR Sreejesh is set to make waves in hockey. Punjab Punjab’s contingent includes Arjun Babuta, Sandeep Singh, Vijayveer Sidhu, and Sift Kaur Samra in shooting. Hockey stars Harmanpreet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Shamsher Singh, Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Gurjant Singh, and Jugraj Singh will also represent the state. Golfers Gaganjeet Bhullar and Shubhankar Sharma, along with shooter Anjum Moudgil, add to Punjab’s strong lineup. Delhi Delhi’s athletes include HS Prannoy in badminton, Amoj Jacob in athletics, Tulika Maan in judo, Manika Batra in table tennis, and Rajeshwari Kumari in shooting. Uttarakhand From Uttarakhand, we have Paramjeet Bisht and Ankita Dhyani in athletics, Lakshya Sen in badminton, and Suraj Panwar also in athletics. Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh is represented by Vikas Singh, Parul Chaudhary, Annu Rani, and Priyanka Goswami in athletics. Rajkumar Pal will compete in hockey, and Shubhankar Sharma will showcase his skills in golf. Karnataka Karnataka brings Poovamma MR in athletics, Aditi Ashok in golf, Ashwini Ponnappa in badminton, Archana Kamath in table tennis, Dhinidhi Desinghu in swimming, and Rohan Bopanna in tennis. Telangana Telangana’s lineup includes PV Sindhu in badminton, Esha Singh in shooting, Nikhat Zareen in boxing, and Sreeja Akula in table tennis. Assam Assam is proud to have boxer Lovlina Borgohain representing them. Chandigarh Chandigarh’s Anjum Moudgil will compete in shooting. Manipur Manipur’s Mirabai Chanu will compete in weightlifting, and Nilakanta Sharma will represent in hockey. Gujarat Gujarat has Harmeet Desai and Manav Thakkar in table tennis. Rajasthan Rajasthan’s talents include shooters Anantjeet Singh Naruka and Maheshwari Chauhan. Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh’s athletes include Prachi in athletics, Vivek Sagar Prasad in hockey, and Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar in shooting. International Representative Lastly, Tanisha Crasto, who is based outside India, will represent the country in badminton. India at the Paris 2024 Olympics is truly a representation of the diverse and remarkable athletic talent across the nation. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
This opportunity motivates me to work even harder and contribute to our team’s success,’ says Sanjay on playing in his maiden Olympics in Paris
Sanjay first caught the nation’s attention during the 2021 Junior Hockey World Cup, where he emerged as the highest scorer for India with eight goals New Delhi, 23rd July 2024: The Indian Men’s Hockey Team player Sanjay, who is a formidable defender and drag-flicker from Dabra village near Hisar, Haryana, is set to make his debut at the Olympics in Paris. Emerging as one of the most promising players in Indian hockey, Sanjay’s journey from a small village to the grand stage of the Olympics is a testament to his hard work and dedication. Speaking about playing in his maiden Olympics, Sanjay said, “I am honoured to be a part of the Indian team for the Paris Olympics. Like any other player, it was my dream to play in the Olympics, so I am happy that my hard work paid off and I made it to the squad for the Paris Olympics. This opportunity motivates me to work even harder and contribute to our team’s success. I look forward to making my country proud at the biggest sporting stage.” “My family was overjoyed when I shared the news of my selection for the Paris Olympics. Their blessings and encouragement have been a tremendous source of motivation for me to give my best in the event and make them proud,” he added. Sanjay first caught the nation’s attention during the 2021 Junior Hockey World Cup, where he emerged as the highest scorer for India with eight goals, including two hat-tricks. His outstanding performance not only made him the third-highest scorer in the tournament but also showcased his potential as a future star in Indian hockey. Sanjay made his senior team debut in June 2022 and quickly made an impact by helping India win the inaugural FIH Hockey5s. His contributions to the team have been significant, and his skills as a drag-flicker have been instrumental in securing crucial victories. He has also participated in major tournaments such as the 19th Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou, China and the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023, where the team clinched Gold medals. His performance in the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Bhubaneswar 2021 earned India a 4th position, and he secured a silver medal in the 3rd Youth Olympic Games 2018. Also, in recognition of his talents, Sanjay was awarded the Hockey India Jugraj Singh Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Men) Under-21 in 2021. Now Sanjay’s complete focus is on the Paris Olympics and he aims to take it one game at a time and not get ahead of himself. “I will focus on the Olympics by taking it one game at a time and giving my hundred percent in each match. My goal is to stay fully present and committed, ensuring that I contribute to my team’s success with every opportunity on the field. This is the moment I’ve worked so hard for, and I intend to make the most of it,” he stated. Further revealing his ultimate dream as a player, Sanjay said, “Ever since I picked up a hockey stick, I have dreamed of winning Gold medals at the Olympics and the World Cup. Representing my country on these prestigious platforms and bringing home the Gold has always been my ultimate goal. I am deeply committed to making my nation proud through my dedication and hard work on the field.” India will commence their Paris 2024 Olympics campaign on 27th July when they take on New Zealand in their first pool B match at 2100hrs IST.
Paris 2024: India’s Olympics Squad: A Statistical Overview
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