India first participated at the Olympics in 1900, where they managed to win two silver medals, but till date, the country’s potential at the Games has remained untapped. Only 35 medals have come the Indian team’s way in the Olympics, out of which seven were added in Tokyo 2020. But then the Paris Olympics 2024 is a great opportunity to change history. InsideSport takes a look at all the Indian athletes who have qualified for the Olympics.
Olympics News
india squad for Paris Olympics
ARCHERY
The Indian Archery contingent will be led by the experienced Deepika Kumari at the Paris Olympics, who has already participated in three editions. However, she is yet to win a medal, which she would like to change now.
On the other hand, the best bet for India has to be young Dhiraj Bommadevara, who will be playing his first Olympics, that too as World No. 12.
TRACK & FIELD
Apart from Neeraj Chopra, India would look for medal in track & field from 3000m steeplechaser Avinash Sable, who has delivered medal at the Commonwealth Games.
One of the surprise contenders could be javelin thrower Kishore Jena, who can land a surprise medal too.
BADMINTON
For a change, PV Sindhu isn’t a favorite to win a medal at the Olympics, but the men’s doubles team of Satwik-Chirag are. It will be worth watching, if the two can deliver at the biggest stage.
Lakshya Sen is seen as a dark horse by many in men’s singles, but will face stiff challenge in every match.
BOXING
One of the biggest hopes in boxing for Team India is, Nikhat Zareen. The pugilist has two world titles to her name, and it will be huge upset, if she can’t produce a medal in Paris.
Apart from that, Lovlina cannot be ignored. Even her form hasn’t been the best, but she still remains world-class.
HOCKEY
In 2020, the Indian side led by Manpreet Singh clinched the bronze medal. And now it is time for Harmanpreet & Co. to go one better. This uber-talented team has it in them to go the distance.
This time around also, they have Australia in their Pool, and need to find a way to beat the Aussies.
GOLF
It is one discipline where not much is expected. But given the fourth-place finish by Aditi Ashok in 2020, one cannot fully rule out the possibility of a surprise medal.
In the men’s section, Shubhankar could put up a good fight, but isn’t in a medal contention for sure.
SAILING
Vishnu Saravanan and Nethra Kumanan will headline the sailing event at Paris for Team India. It is yet another event where not much should be expected by the fans. But one should be ready for surprises.
The duo spend a sizeable amount of time in Europe training, so maybe they can shine on the biggest stage of them all.
SHOOTING
Shooting hasn’t delivered a medal for India since London 2012. But given the strength of our shooters, things look bright. Watch out for Manu Bhaker, Sift Kaur Samra, and Sarabjot Singh.
All these shooters have made the cut for Paris after grueling trials, so they are better prepared for handling pressure.
SWIMMING
India is represented in the pool by just two swimmers — both by Universality Quotas. But one should watch out for 14-year-old Desinghu, who would participate in women’s 200m freestyle.
Meanwhile, Srihari has experienced Olympics pressure before and should at least be looking to make semis.
TABLE TENNIS
With qualification in the men’s and women’s team events, India has a better shot at an Olympic medal in the sport. Hopefully, the likes of Sreeja and Manika can do well in singles too.
As for Sharath, this might be the last opportunity to shine at the Olympics, and maybe land a medal.
TENNIS
The only medal hope in tennis has to be the men’s doubles team of Bopanna & Balaji. The former has a great run of form in the last two years, and who knows, he can make history in Paris.
As for Sumit, he needs to take one match at a time, and with favorable draw, can win a couple of matches.
WRESTLING
After tough two years in the battle vs WFI, the wrestlers have a point to prove. Also, it has been our most successful sport in the last few Olympics. So, a lot rests on the shoulders of Aman & Antim.
Vinesh, on the other hand, must be itching to make amends for the lost opportunities from 2016 & 2020.
