New Delhi: As the Paris Olympics kick off, a 117-strong Indian contingent embarks on a journey filled with hopes, challenges, and the weight of expectations. Returning from Tokyo with seven medals, the nation now looks forward to a double-digit tally, a feat that would mark a significant milestone in India’s sporting history.
The preparation for Paris has been comprehensive, with athletes receiving top-notch training facilities both domestically and abroad. Yet, the real test lies in translating this hard work and meticulous planning into medals.
A diverse and dynamic team
The Indian Contingent features a diverse group of athletes, with over half representing athletics (29), shooting (21), and hockey (19). Among these 69 athletes, 40 will be making their Olympic debut, adding a blend of fresh energy and potential to the team. Debutants like tennis player N Sriram Balaji and wrestler Reetika Hooda bring a mix of experience and excitement, even as they step onto this grand stage for the first time.
Meanwhile, seasoned veterans such as two-time Olympic medallist shuttler PV Sindhu, tennis player Rohan Bopanna, legendary table tennis player Sharath Kamal, and hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh will be competing in their last Olympics. Their experience and leadership will be crucial in guiding the younger athletes.
The medals hopefuls
India’s best hopes for podium finishes largely hinge on reigning Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra and the formidable badminton men’s doubles duo of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy. Despite concerns around an adductor niggle, Chopra has consistently performed well, making him a strong contender for a second consecutive Olympic medal. Should he succeed, he would join the elite club of Indian athletes like Sindhu and wrestler Sushil Kumar who have won back-to-back Olympic medals.
Shetty and Rankireddy have emerged as one of India’s top men’s doubles teams and are seen as certain medal prospects. Sindhu, although not in her best form, has the experience and resilience to overcome a tough draw and make a strong push for a medal.
Sports with a mixed outlook
- Hockey: The men’s hockey team enters the Games with inconsistent form, having lost all five games in Australia recently after a mixed run in the Pro League. Despite being the Asian Games champions, the team faces a tough group, including powerhouses like Australia, Belgium, and Argentina. Penalty corner conversion and maintaining match tempo remain key concerns.
- Shooting: The 21-member shooting contingent, the largest ever for India, has had a relatively quiet build-up. With stars like Manu Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary not in the spotlight this time, the focus shifts to talents like Sift Kaur Samra, Sandeep Singh, and Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar. These shooters have the potential to end India’s 12-year Olympic medal drought in shooting.
- Wrestling: Wrestling has been a reliable source of medals for India, but recent controversies and lack of competition have clouded the outlook. Wrestlers like Anshu Malik, Antim Panghal, and Aman Sehrawat will carry the hopes of the nation, while U-23 world champion Reetika Hooda remains a dark horse.
- Other Sports: Archery and table tennis players have qualified based on their rankings, a significant achievement in itself. However, the archers’ campaign faces early challenges with the denial of their coach’s Games accreditation. Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, a silver medallist from Tokyo, has struggled with injuries and form, raising doubts about her ability to replicate her previous success.
- Boxing: Experienced boxers like Nikhat Zareen and Nishant Dev will be watched closely as their recent performances have been promising.
Aiming for history
India has a storied but modest Olympic history, with 35 medals so far. Shooter Abhinav Bindra (2008) and Neeraj Chopra (2021) are the only individual gold medallists. As the Games begin, the Indian contingent aims to turn aspirations into achievements and bring home a record haul of medals.
With meticulous preparation, a blend of experience and youth, and the unwavering support of a hopeful nation, the stage is set for what could be India’s most successful Olympic campaign yet. Let the Games begin.
