Date: August 12, 2024

India’s Performance at Paris Olympics 2024: A Mixed Bag

The Paris Olympics 2024 concluded with a grand closing ceremony, marking the end of another exhilarating edition of the Games. Expectations were high for India this year, with hopes of securing at least 10 medals. However, the final tally was a bit of a letdown, with India bringing home only 6 medals.

Neeraj Chopra: The Lone Silver Lining In Olympics

Neeraj Chopra, India’s star javelin thrower, once again made the nation proud by winning a silver medal. This follows his gold medal triumph at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Although many had hoped for a repeat gold, Chopra’s silver is still a significant achievement, considering the intense competition.

Manu Bhaker’s Historic Feat In Olympics

Manu Bhaker created history by becoming the first female athlete from India to win two medals in the same Olympics. She secured two bronze medals in shooting, a remarkable feat that has cemented her status as one of India’s top sporting talents. Bhaker’s performance was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise underwhelming campaign for India.

Disappointing Show in Badminton in Olympics

In contrast, the badminton contingent, which had high hopes riding on them, failed to deliver. Star players like PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, and Chirag Shetty couldn’t secure any medals this time around. This was particularly disappointing given their strong performances in previous international tournaments. Their underperformance was one of the biggest talking points of India’s Olympic campaign.

Shocking Disqualification of Vinesh Phogat

A major shock came from Vinesh Phogat in women’s wrestling. Phogat, who was considered a strong contender for a silver or gold medal, was disqualified after being found 100 grams overweight. This disqualification was a heartbreaking moment, as it dashed India’s hopes for another medal in wrestling.

Overall Medal Tally: A Disappointing Outcome

India fielded 117 athletes across 16 different categories, but only 5 managed to secure medals. Besides Chopra’s silver, the remaining 5 medals were all bronze. This outcome was far below the expectations set before the Games, highlighting the need for introspection and improvement in various sports disciplines.

Global Standings: India Lags Behind

On the global stage, the USA dominated the Olympics, topping the medal tally with 40 golds and 126 medals in total. China followed with 40 golds and a total of 91 medals, while Japan secured 20 golds, bringing their total to 45. In comparison, India’s 6 medals appear paltry, underscoring the significant gap that still exists between India and the top-performing nations.

Looking Ahead

As India reflects on its performance at the Paris Olympics 2024, it’s clear that there is much work to be done. The disappointing medal tally should serve as a wake-up call for sports authorities and athletes alike. With the right support, training, and focus, India can aim to improve its performance in future editions of the Games.