Paris Olympics 2024: India’s Olympic Medal Journey Through the Years
Pune, 11th July 2024: The countdown to the Paris Olympics 2024 has commenced, with the games set to begin on July 26. PV Sindhu, India’s ace badminton player, will proudly carry the flag for women during the opening ceremony. India’s Olympic journey dates back to the 1900 Paris Olympics, where Norman Pritchard emerged as the country’s first athlete, clinching two silver medals in the 200-meter sprint and 200-meter hurdles. This year marks Paris’ return as host after a century, having previously hosted the games in 1924 and 1900. A total of 10,500 athletes from 206 nations, including approximately 120 from India, will compete across various sports.
India’s participation in the Olympics began in 1900 with a modest five-member contingent. Since then, the nation has evolved into a competitive force, especially in disciplines like hockey, wrestling, and shooting. The journey has been punctuated by significant achievements, including historic gold medals in Amsterdam in 1928, where Dhyan Chand led the hockey team to victory with 29 goals, ushering in India’s golden era in the sport. Despite interruptions like the World Wars that canceled the 1940 and 1944 editions, India has consistently showcased prowess, with notable medal hauls in subsequent games.
In recent years, India’s Olympic campaign has seen remarkable performances, notably in Tokyo 2020 where the country achieved its highest-ever medal tally of 7. Mirabai Chanu’s silver in weightlifting, Neeraj Chopra’s historic gold in javelin throw, and PV Sindhu’s bronze in badminton are among the memorable highlights. As the world gears up for Paris 2024, expectations are high as India aims to build upon its rich Olympic legacy and inspire a new generation of athletes.
The Paris Olympics 2024 promises to be a platform where India will once again strive to shine on the global stage, continuing its journey of sporting excellence and national pride.
This report encapsulates India’s Olympic journey, highlighting key milestones and reflecting on the nation’s evolving role in international sports.
