Paris Olympics, 2024: Our Indian Athletes, A Beacon of Pride
As India celebrates its Independence Day, we honor not just our freedom but also the remarkable achievements of our athletes who have made the nation proud on the global stage. The 2024 Paris Olympics have been a testament to the indomitable spirit of our sports heroes, who have carried the tricolor with pride and determination, giving their all in every competition—whether they stood on the podium or not. Here are some of the athletes who inspired the nation with their remarkable efforts.
Manu Bhaker: An Icon of Achievement
Manu Bhaker etched her name into stone in this year's Olympics. She won two bronze medals, one at the women's 10-meter air pistol event, and the other at the mixed 10-meter air pistol team event, alongside Sarabjot Singh.
She became the first female shooter from India to win a medal at the Olympics, and the first Indian to win 2 medals at an Olympics since India's independence!
Truly an inspiration to the youth, the nation, and every aspiring athlete.
Swapnil Kusale: A Poised Aim to Victory
Swapnil Kusale brought yet another laurel to the wreath with a bronze medal in the men's 50m rifle 3 positions event.
This is India's first-ever Olympic shooting medal in the 50m 3P, and the third medal ever achieved in rifle shooting.
He has opened up yet another domain of victory for India, and many athletes will follow the glorious path he has paved.
Sarabjot Singh: Perseverance by the Pistol
Sarabjot Singh won a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event alongside Manu Bhaker. Although he narrowly missed qualifying for the finals of the 10m air pistol men's individual event, the medal for the mixed team event came 2 days later. Unfazed by the circumstances, he withstood the pressure and made our country proud!
Lakshya Sen: A Forerunner in Men's Badminton
First Indian male badminton player to reach the semi-finals. He won the quarter-final match against Chou Tien-chen in the men's singles event. He finished fourth in the games this year. With a lot of blood, sweat and tears, he achieved the best ever performance by a men's badminton player from India.
Neeraj Chopra : A Silver of Success
Neeraj Chopra set multiple national and personal records at the Olympics. He won a silver medal in the men's javelin throw at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with a throw of a whopping 89.45 meters! To add to that, he is the first Indian athlete to win two Olympic medals, and the fifth two-time Olympic medallist from India. He is also the third athlete from India to win medals at two separate Summer Olympic Games. The nation will never forget Neeraj, and his remarkable strength and power.
Harmanpreet Singh: Continuing the Legacy of Indian Hockey
Harmanpreet Singh led the Indian men's hockey team to a historic bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking a momentous occasion for Indian sports. This victory is especially significant as it represents India's first consecutive Olympic medals in hockey since 1972, rekindling the glory of a sport deeply embedded in our national identity. Harmanpreet was also a key player in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where India ended a 41-year drought by securing a bronze, reminding the world of India's hockey prowess.
Vinesh Phogat: A Trailblazer in Wrestling
Vinesh Phogat etched her name in history by becoming the first Indian wrestler to reach the semi-finals at the Olympics, achieving this milestone at the 2024 Paris Games. Her journey to the semis was nothing short of inspiring, as she triumphed over Ukraine's Oksana Livach in a thrilling 7-5 victory in the quarterfinals. Vinesh's spirit shone brightly as she took down Japan's Yui Susaki, a four-time world champion and reigning gold medalist, in the 50kg event. Though the final victory eluded her, she exemplified the fighting spirit that defines our nation, proving that true success lies in the effort and dedication shown on the field.
Avinash Sable: Breaking Barriers in Track and Field
Avinash Sable's performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics was a moment of pride for India, as he became the first Indian to qualify for the 3000 meters steeplechase final since 1952. Finishing 11th with a time of 8 minutes and 14.18 seconds, Avinash demonstrated the determination and perseverance that symbolize India's progress in athletics. While he may not have clinched a medal, his efforts reflect the relentless pursuit of excellence, showing that the journey itself is a victory.
Aman Sehrawat: Wrestling His Way to Glory
Aman Sehrawat brought home a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, defeating Puerto Rico's Darian Toi Cruz in the men's freestyle 57 kg category. His victory is not just a personal triumph but a milestone for Indian wrestling, as he became the first Indian to win a medal in this weight category. Aman’s success also marks India’s first wrestling medal at the Paris Olympics, showcasing the strength and skill that define our nation's athletes.
Honoring the Unyielding Spirit of All Athletes
While these victories stand tall, it's essential to recognize every Indian athlete who competed at the Paris Olympics. Each of them, whether they brought home a medal or not, gave it their all. Their dedication, sacrifice, and relentless pursuit of excellence inspire a nation and embody the true meaning of independence—freedom to strive, to persevere, and to overcome.
Written and edited by Simran Singh and Dhriti Bharadwaj for MTTN
Images compiled by Alina Grace for MTTN
