India At The 2024 Summer Olympics: A NEW CHAPTER IN PARIS

India is set to compete at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France from July 26 toAugust 11, 2024. Indian athletes have graced every edition of the Summer Olympic Games since 1920, although the country made its official debut at the Paris 1900 Games. Over recent editions, the number of Indian athletes at the Summer Olympics has steadily increased, reflecting the country's growing commitment to sports.

At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, India sent its largest contingent yet, with 124 athletes. This impressive squad achieved the country's best-ever medal haul, winning seven medals, including Neeraj Chopra’s historic gold in the men’s javelin throw. Building on this momentum, India will send 117 athletes to compete in Paris across 16 sports disciplines, comprising 70 men and 47 women. They will
vie for 95 medals in 69 events.

The Indian team for Paris 2024 boasts a diverse mix of experience and youth. Tennis star Rohan Bopanna, at the age of 44, will be the oldest athlete representing India, while 14-year-old swimmer Dhinidhi Desinghu will be the youngest. Athletics is the largest contributor to the Indian contingent, with 29 athletes set to compete. Trap shooter Bhowneesh Mendiratta secured India's first quota for Paris 2024 at the 2022 ISSF World Championships but did not make the final team after national trials. Prithviraj Tondaiman will represent India in the men's trap event instead. Notably, Indian shooters have secured a quota in every Olympic shooting category for the first time.

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) played a strategic role in optimizing the quotas. One of the pistol quotas was exchanged for a women’s trap shooter after Manu Bhaker topped national trials in the women’s 10m air pistol and 25m pistol events. This allowed Shreyasi Singh to compete in the women’s trap event. Other notable shooters who secured quotas but missed the final team include Rudrankksh Patil, Tilottama Sen, Akhil Sheoran, Mehuli Ghosh, Shriyanka Sadangi, Varun Tomar, and Palak Gulia.

Race walkers Priyanka Goswami and Akshdeep Singh were the first Indians to qualify for athletics events at Paris 2024. In the men’s 20km race walk, four Indian athletes met the Olympic qualifying standard, but only Akshdeep Singh, Vikash Singh, and Paramjeet Singh Bisht were selected to compete, with Ram Baboo missing out due to the maximum limit of three athletes per event. For the marathon race walk mixed relay event, Suraj will join Priyanka in Paris. Murali Sreeshankar qualified for the men’s long jump but will miss the Games due to a knee injury that ruled him out for the 2024 season. In boxing, Jaismine Lamboria reclaimed the women’s 57kg quota for India at the Olympic qualifiers in Bangkok in June, after the original quota-holder, Parveen Hooda, was suspended for whereabouts failures. This shift underscores the dynamic nature of the qualification process, where athletes must continually prove their mettle.

Race walkers Priyanka Goswami and Akshdeep Singh were the first Indians to qualify for athletics events at Paris 2024. In the men’s 20km race walk, four Indian athletes met the Olympic qualifying standard, but only Akshdeep Singh, Vikash Singh, and Paramjeet Singh Bisht were selected to compete, with Ram Baboo missing out due to the maximum limit of three athletes per event. For the marathon race walk mixed relay event, Suraj will join Priyanka in Paris. Murali Sreeshankar qualified for the men’s long jump but will miss the Games due to a knee injury that ruled him out for the 2024 season. In boxing, Jaismine Lamboria reclaimed the women’s 57kg quota for India at the Olympic qualifiers in Bangkok in June, after the original quota-holder, Parveen Hooda, was suspended for whereabouts failures. This shift underscores the dynamic nature of the qualification process, where athletes must continually prove their mettle.
Race walkers Priyanka Goswami and Akshdeep Singh were the first Indians to qualify for athletics events at Paris 2024. In the men’s 20km race walk, four Indian athletes met the Olympic qualifying standard, but only Akshdeep Singh, Vikash Singh, and Paramjeet Singh Bisht were selected to compete, with Ram Baboo missing out due to the maximum limit of three athletes per event. For the marathon race walk mixed relay event, Suraj will join Priyanka in Paris. Murali Sreeshankar qualified for the men’s long jump but will miss the Games due to a knee injury that ruled him out for the 2024 season. In boxing, Jaismine Lamboria reclaimed the women’s 57kg quota for India at the Olympic qualifiers in Bangkok in June, after the original quota-holder, Parveen Hooda, was suspended for whereabouts failures. This shift underscores the dynamic nature of the qualification process, where athletes must continually prove their mettle.

Achieving entry standards or securing quotas is just one part of the Olympic journey. The National Olympic Committees (NOCs) have the final say on athlete selection for their delegations. India's contingent for Paris 2024 exemplifies this rigorous process, highlighting the depth of talent And competition within the country. As India prepares for the Paris 2024 Olympics, the nation stands united in support of its athletes. With a blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talent, the Indian contingent is poised to make history. Let us all come together to celebrate this international festival of sports and wish our athletes the best of luck. Chak De India!