India at the Olympics Schedule and Results

Know India at the Olympics schedule and results for Paris 2024. Learn about key events, medal wins, and performances by Neeraj Chopra and Manu Bhaker. And explore India’s journey, challenges, and future goals in this detailed article.

India at the Olympics schedule and results highlight the nation’s growing presence in global sports. In Paris 2024, 117 Indian athletes competed across 16 sports, winning six medals: one silver and five bronze. Events began on July 25, spanning archery to wrestling. Through this article, we discuss India’s schedule, key performances, results, and the broader context of its Olympic journey.

Historical Context of India’s Olympic Journey

According to WikiPedia, India’s Olympic story began in 1900 with Norman Pritchard’s two silver medals. After independence, KD Jadhav’s 1952 wrestling bronze marked a milestone. Men’s hockey dominated, securing eight gold medals from 1928 to 1980. However, individual sports lagged until recent decades. Since 2008, India has consistently won medals, reflecting steady progress.

Tokyo 2020 set a high bar. India claimed seven medals, including Neeraj Chopra’s javelin gold. This success fueled expectations for Paris 2024. With 117 athletes, the contingent blended veterans like PV Sindhu with young talents like Manu Bhaker. Consequently, India aimed to surpass its Tokyo tally.

Government initiatives, like Khelo India, have boosted athlete development. Increased funding and better facilities improved performances. Yet, challenges like limited infrastructure persist. For instance, Paris 2024 showcased India’s potential while highlighting areas for growth, paving the way for future success.

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Paris 2024: Overview of India’s Campaign

India’s Paris 2024 campaign ran from July 25 to August 11. A total of 117 athletes—70 men and 47 women—competed in 69 events across 16 sports. Athletics and shooting led with 29 and 21 athletes, respectively. Moreover, hockey, wrestling, and badminton remained key focus areas, continuing India’s strong traditions.

The schedule started with archery at Les Invalides. Shooting events followed, offering early medal hopes. Key athletes included Neeraj Chopra, defending his javelin title, and PV Sindhu, aiming for a third badminton medal. The Indian Olympic Association chose Sindhu and Sharath Kamal as flag-bearers, symbolizing leadership.

India won six medals, ranking 71st among 206 nations. Manu Bhaker’s two bronze medals stood out. Despite setbacks, like Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification, the campaign showed resilience. As a result, India built on Tokyo’s success, demonstrating growth in diverse sports.

Key Sports and Schedule Highlights

India’s schedule began on July 25 with archery ranking rounds. Shooting events started on July 27, featuring Manu Bhaker in the 10m air pistol. Meanwhile, hockey matches kicked off the same day, with the men’s team facing New Zealand. Athletics, including Neeraj Chopra’s javelin, ran from August 1 to 11.

Badminton group stages began on July 27, with PV Sindhu competing. Wrestling started on August 5, a consistent medal source. Other sports, like table tennis and golf, ensured daily Indian participation. Consequently, the packed schedule demanded strategic planning for athletes.

Tight turnarounds challenged competitors, especially in team sports like hockey. Individual events, such as shooting and wrestling, required intense focus. India’s broad participation, including new disciplines like equestrian, highlighted its growing versatility in global competitions.

Medal Achievements and Near Misses

India secured six medals in Paris 2024. Manu Bhaker won bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol and mixed team event with Sarabjot Singh. Swapnil Kusale added a shooting bronze. Additionally, the men’s hockey team earned bronze, Neeraj Chopra took javelin silver, and Aman Sehrawat won wrestling bronze.

Setbacks included Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification before her wrestling final. She was 100 grams overweight, missing a historic medal. Similarly, Lakshya Sen and Mirabai Chanu finished fourth in badminton and weightlifting. Manu Bhaker also placed fourth in the 25m pistol, showing fine margins.

The medal tally marked progress. Shooting’s three medals set a record. Hockey and wrestling continued their legacy, while Chopra’s silver solidified his status. However, six fourth-place finishes highlighted the challenges India faces in converting near misses into medals.

Sport	Athlete/Event	Medal
Shooting	Manu Bhaker (10m Air Pistol)	Bronze
Shooting	Manu Bhaker/Sarabjot Singh	Bronze
Shooting	Swapnil Kusale	Bronze
Hockey	Men’s Team	Bronze
Athletics	Neeraj Chopra (Javelin)	Silver
Wrestling	Aman Sehrawat	Bronze

Sport-by-Sport Breakdown

Archery

Archery began on July 25 with ranking rounds. Dhiraj Bommadevara ranked fourth in men’s events. The men’s team reached the quarterfinals as the third seed. Deepika Kumari advanced to the women’s quarterfinals but didn’t medal. Despite no podium finishes, India’s performance showed promise for future competitions.

Shooting

Shooting delivered early success. On July 28, Manu Bhaker won India’s first medal, a bronze in the 10m air pistol. She and Sarabjot Singh followed with a mixed team bronze. Swapnil Kusale’s 50m rifle three positions bronze set a record for India’s shooting haul. However, athletes like Arjun Babuta missed finals narrowly.

Hockey

The men’s hockey team started strong on July 27, beating New Zealand 3-2. They defeated Ireland and Australia, tied Argentina, and lost to Belgium. A 4-2 quarterfinal win over Great Britain led to a bronze medal match. India secured bronze, defeating Spain 2-1, matching Tokyo’s achievement.

Badminton

Badminton showed depth. PV Sindhu competed in women’s singles but didn’t medal. Lakshya Sen reached the men’s singles semifinals, losing the bronze match. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won their doubles group but fell in the quarterfinals. The sport highlighted India’s potential, despite no medals.

Wrestling

Wrestling delivered one medal. Aman Sehrawat won bronze in the men’s 57kg freestyle. Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification in the 50kg final was a setback. Anshu Malik and Reetika Hooda competed but didn’t advance. Nevertheless, wrestling remains a key strength for India’s Olympic campaigns.

Key Athletes and Performances

Neeraj Chopra shone with a javelin silver on August 8. His 89.45m throw followed a strong qualifier. Although Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem took gold, Chopra’s consistency inspired athletes like Kishore Jena, who competed but didn’t medal. His performance cemented his Olympic legacy.

Manu Bhaker made history. Her two shooting bronzes marked her as the first Indian to win multiple medals in one Olympics. After a tough Tokyo 2020, her resilience stood out. Similarly, Swapnil Kusale’s bronze bolstered shooting’s success, showcasing India’s growing strength in the sport.

The men’s hockey team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, excelled. Their bronze against Spain followed a thrilling campaign. Beating Australia 3-2, their first Olympic win over them in 52 years, was a highlight. Their teamwork and determination echoed India’s hockey heritage.

Challenges and Controversies

Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification stunned fans. Overweight by 100 grams, she missed a wrestling final medal. Her appeal for a shared silver is pending. This incident highlighted the strictness of Olympic rules and their impact on athletes’ dreams.

Infrastructure gaps remain a challenge. Limited world-class facilities hinder preparation. While Khelo India improves training, global standards demand more investment. For example, athletes like Lakshya Sen could benefit from enhanced support to convert near misses into medals.

Mental health pressures surfaced. Vinesh Phogat’s emotional return, greeted by fans and Sakshi Malik, showed the toll of competition. Counseling and support systems are vital for athletes facing global scrutiny. Addressing these challenges will strengthen India’s future performances.

Support Systems and Preparation

The Indian Olympic Association, led by PT Usha, prioritized athlete support. Training camps for hockey and other sports ensured readiness. Government schemes funded 140 support staff for the contingent. As a result, athletes like Neeraj Chopra benefited from international training exposure.

Qualification events secured early spots. Archery’s Asian and World qualifiers helped athletes like Dhiraj Bommadevara prepare. However, domestic infrastructure needs upgrades to match global facilities. Consistent investment will ensure better preparation for future Olympics.

Media amplified support. Sports 18 and Jio Cinema broadcasted matches, engaging fans. Social media, like posts from @FarziCricketer, shared schedules, boosting awareness. This visibility motivated athletes and highlighted India’s Olympic aspirations, fostering national pride.

Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond

The 2025 calendar offers opportunities. The World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, from September 13-21, feature Neeraj Chopra defending his javelin title. The Indian Open in Bhubaneswar on August 10 provides home-ground exposure. These events build on Paris 2024’s momentum.

India’s ambitions grow. Amit Shah’s support for hosting the 2036 Olympics signals long-term goals. Converting cricketers to baseball players shows innovative planning. Moreover, continued infrastructure investment will sustain progress toward global competitiveness.

Young talents inspire hope. Dhinidhi Desinghu, at 14, debuted in swimming. Anant Jeet Singh Naruka shone in shooting. With structured support, these athletes could elevate India’s medal tally, positioning the nation as a global sports contender.

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Cultural and Social Impact

India’s Olympic success sparked pride. Neeraj Chopra’s silver and the hockey team’s bronze united fans. Manu Bhaker’s achievements, despite a Khel Ratna snub, fueled debate. Her father’s comments on cricket’s dominance highlighted biases in sports recognition, urging reform.

Vinesh Phogat became a symbol of resilience. Her emotional return inspired unity. The IOA’s acknowledgment during the closing ceremony reinforced athletes’ impact. These moments encourage young Indians to pursue sports, strengthening the nation’s sporting culture.

Community engagement grows through sports. Khelo India fosters grassroots participation. Media, from live telecasts to online updates, keeps fans invested. India’s Olympic journey, reflected in Paris 2024’s schedule and results, unites the nation and fuels ambition for future games.