As the excitement builds for the Paris 2024 Olympics, all eyes are on the Indian contingent, poised to make a mark on the global stage. With record-breaking participation at Tokyo 2020 and a historic medal haul, anticipation is high for India to continue its upward trajectory in Paris.
Let's dive into the details of the Indian athletes who have qualified for the prestigious event, promising an exhilarating display of skill, determination, and national pride.
The Road to Paris: In recent years, India's presence at the Summer Olympics has seen a remarkable surge, reflecting the nation's growing prowess in sports.
At Tokyo 2020, India fielded its largest-ever contingent of 124 athletes, clinching seven medals, including the historic gold by Neeraj Chopra in the javelin throw. Building on this success, Indian athletes are gearing up for Paris 2024, aiming to surpass previous achievements and make the country proud.
The journey to Paris began with athletes vying for coveted spots through rigorous qualifying events. Trap shooter Bhowneesh Mendiratta secured India's first quota for Paris after a stellar performance at the ISSF World Championships.
Notably, Indian shooters achieved a milestone by securing quotas in every Olympic shooting category for the first time. Additionally, athletes like Priyanka Goswami and Akshdeep Singh stamped their tickets to Paris by meeting the qualifying standards in athletics events.
In sports like shooting and wrestling, countries earn quotas rather than individual athletes, allowing flexibility in team composition. While many athletes met the qualifying standards, the final selection for the Olympics rests with the National Olympic Committees (NOCs). This process ensures that the best representatives are chosen to compete on the world stage, emphasizing merit and performance.
The journey to Paris hasn't been without hurdles. Athletes like Murali Sreeshankar faced setbacks due to injuries, highlighting the unpredictable nature of sports. However, resilience and determination have been the hallmarks of Indian athletes, with individuals like Jasmine Lamboria reclaiming quotas and emerging stars like Bhowneesh Mendiratta shining bright on the global stage.
The Indian contingent for Paris 2024 is a diverse mix of seasoned athletes and promising talents across various disciplines. From shooting and athletics to boxing and wrestling, India's representation reflects its sporting diversity and depth. Notable names like Neeraj Chopra, PV Sindhu, and Amit Panghal will lead the charge, supported by a formidable lineup of emerging stars eager to leave their mark.
Here is a comprehensive list of all the Indians who have booked a spot for Paris 2024:
Number | Athlete | Sport | Event | Status |
1 | Bhowneesh Mendiratta | Shooting | Men's trap | Quota |
2 | Rudrankksh Patil | Shooting | Men's 10m air rifle | Quota |
3 | Swapnil Kusale | Shooting | Men's 50m rifle 3 positions | Quota |
4 | Akhil Sheoran | Shooting | Men's 50m rifle 3 positions | Quota |
5 | Mehuli Ghosh | Shooting | Women's 10m air rifle | Quota |
6 | Sift Kaur Samra | Shooting | Women's 50m rifle 3 positions | Quota |
7 | Rajeshwari Kumari | Shooting | Women's trap | Quota |
8 | Akshdeep Singh | Athletics | Men's 20km race walk | Direct (Met qualifying standard) |
9 | Priyanka Goswami | Athletics | Women's 20km race walk | Direct (Met qualifying standard) |
10 | Vikas Singh | Athletics | Men's 20km race walk | Direct (Met qualifying standard) |
11 | Murali Sreeshankar | Athletics | Men's long jump | Direct (Met qualifying standard) |
12 | Avinash Sable | Athletics | Men's 3000m steeplechase | Direct (Met qualifying standard) |
13 | Neeraj Chopra | Athletics | Men's javelin throw | Direct (Met qualifying standard) |
14 | Parul Chaudhary | Athletics | Women's 3000m steeplechase | Direct (Met qualifying standard) |
As the countdown to Paris 2024 begins, the stage is set for Indian athletes to showcase their skills, determination, and spirit of sportsmanship. With a record number of qualifiers and a strong sense of national pride, India is poised for an unforgettable journey at the Olympics. As fans eagerly await the opening ceremony, the Indian contingent stands ready to write a new chapter in the nation's sporting history, inspiring millions and capturing the hearts of the world.