After more than a week since the 2024 Paris Olympics kicked off with a unique opening ceremony. In the eight official days of competition that have taken place since then, India have so far managed a total of three medals.
The Indian contingent had arrived in Paris hoping to touch double-digits in their medal haul for the first time. The country’s previous biggest tally was three years ago in Tokyo with seven medals, and they would’ve fancied their chances of going even further in the French capital. With another eight days left in the Paris Games, we take a look at some of the key medal contenders for India
India’s top medal contenders left in Olympics
Lovlina Borgohain (Boxing)
Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) progressed to the quarterfinals of the Paris Games following a decisive victory over Norway’s Sunniva Hofstad on Wednesday. Borgohain secured a 5-0 win in the bout, keeping her hopes alive for a second consecutive Olympic medal.
Lakshya Sen (Badminton)
Men’s singles semi-final vs Viktor Axelsen (Denmark) on 4 August at 3.30 pm. Sen has had a stellar campaign so far in his maiden appearance at the Olympics, winning each of his five matches so far, beating Chou Tien-chen in the quarters to become the first Indian shuttler to reach the semi-finals of the men’s singles competition in the Olympics.
Neeraj Chopra (Athletics)
Neeraj Chopra, often hailed as “The Golden Boy,” is widely regarded as a leading contender for his second Olympic medal, with strong chances for another gold. Since his victory in Tokyo, he has earned silver and gold medals at the World Championships claimed a gold in the 2023 Diamond League Final, and secured gold at the Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Mirabai Chanu (Weightlifting)
Mirabai Chanu gained widespread recognition after securing a silver medal in the 49 kg weightlifting category at the Tokyo Olympics. However, the Manipuri lifter has faced ongoing challenges with hip and thigh injuries over the past year. These issues led her to withdraw midway through the 2022 Asian Games. Returning to the Games now, she aims to surpass her previous achievements.
Team India (Hockey)
Men’s quarter-final vs Great Britain on 4 August at 1.30 pm. India finished second in Pool B with three wins, including a historic win against Australia on Friday, along with a draw against Argentina and a loss against defending champions Belgium. They face Great Britain in the quarter-finals on Sunday, a rematch of their meeting in the Tokyo Games three years ago at the same stage.