India at the Paris Olympics 2024 closes by securing six medals. A contingent of 110 Indian athletes competed across 16 sports, yielding six medals, including one silver and five bronze. This haul secured India’s 71st rank amongst the 206 National Olympic Committees participating in the Games. In this article, we shine the spotlight on the exceptional athletes who brought home these medals, sharing their stories of determination, perseverance, and triumph. From shooting and wrestling to hockey, meet the Indian Olympic stars who made their mark on the world stage.
MANU BHAKER – Double Medalist
1. Women’s 10m Air Pistol Shooting, 2. Mixed team 10m Air Pistol Shooting
Meet Manu Bhaker, the phenomenal shooter from Haryana, India! She became the first Indian after Norman Pritchard(a British-Indian athlete) in the pre-Independence era to win multiple medals in individual events at the Olympics. This multi-talented athlete didn’t start with guns but was a medalist in tennis, skating, martial arts, and boxing during her Schooling. However, at 14, she found her true calling in shooting. With her father’s investment of ₹1,50,000, Manu entered the sport and never looked back. Manu’s focus and determination are inspiring. In an interview after the ceremony, Bhaker said, “Actually, I have no idea I’ve been in the lead for the whole match. I was trying to focus completely on my shooting, checking the score every four or five shots to see how I was doing”. Apart from the Olympics, her impressive wins include gold at the 2022 Asian Games, individual gold and a new record at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, and becoming the youngest Indian to win gold at the ISSF World Cup at just 16. Manu Bhaker is genuinely a shooting sensation!
Manu Bhaker’s story teaches us that actual competition lies within ourselves. By focusing on her progress and maintaining an unwavering commitment to excellence, she embodies the principle that the most significant victories are the ones we achieve over our past selves.
SARABJOT SINGH – Mixed team 10m Air Pistol Shooting
Sarabjot Singh, a talented Indian shooter, has shown remarkable determination in the Olympics. After narrowly missing out on a spot in the final of the men’s 10m pistol event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, he teamed up with Manu Bhaker and made history by winning a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. This achievement, however, didn’t satisfy Sarabjot. His dedication to his craft is evident in his decision to decline a prestigious job offer from the Haryana government as Deputy Director in the Sports Department. He also resisted pressure from his family to take up a stable job, choosing to focus solely on his shooting career.
By prioritizing his passion and staying true to his goals, Sarabjot’s story teaches us a valuable lesson: staying focused and dedicated can bounce back from setbacks and achieve our goals.
NEERAJ CHOPRA – Men’s Javelin throw
Neeraj Chopra, one of India’s most successful Olympians, has won numerous medals, including a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, but he still needs to be satisfied. He’s driven by a quest for the “perfect throw” and feels there’s a better performance left in him. Despite his achievements, Chopra is haunted by a recurring groin injury that’s impacted his technique and forced him to adapt. He’s had to balance competing with managing his injury, which has slowed down his run-up and affected his overall performance. Chopra is emotional about his situation, feeling like he’s not able to reach his full potential. He’s torn between his desire to compete and the risk of aggravating his injury. He’s considering surgery, which could impact his career, but he’s determined to find a solution.
His story teaches us that true greatness lies in pursuing perfection, even when faced with challenges and setbacks.
SWAPNIL KUSALE – 50m Shooting Event
Swapnil Kusale made history by securing India’s first Olympic medal in the 50m 3 Positions shooting event, marking a triumphant return for the sport. This achievement also made India the first to win three medals in a single sport at the Games. Kusale, a humble and unassuming shooter, rose to the occasion after a string of near-misses at previous international competitions. In a thrilling finale, he demonstrated remarkable composure and precision, climbing from fifth place to the podium with a steady and calm performance in the standing position.
His victory is a testament to his perseverance and skill, earning him a well-deserved spot among India’s shooting prodigies.
AMAN SEHRAWAT – Men’s 57kg Wrestling
Aman Sehrawat’s story is one of grit and determination. Born on July 16, 2003, in the small village of Birohar, Haryana, he started his journey in mud wrestling. Inspired by Sushil Kumar’s Olympic silver medal in 2012, Aman joined the Chhatrasal Stadium in Delhi at just 10 years old. Unfortunately, he lost both parents by age 11—his mother to suicide and his father to illness. Aman and his younger sister, Puja, were taken in by their uncle, Sudhir. Overwhelmed by grief, Aman struggled with depression and even considered drug use. However, the rigorous training at Chhatrasal turned his life around with the help of his uncle, who had been the biggest support system in his life. Fast forward to Paris 2024, Aman Sehrawat secured India’s second successive Olympic medal in men’s 57kg freestyle wrestling. He won a bronze, defeating Darian Cruz of Puerto Rico 13-5. His journey to this achievement wasn’t easy; he had to lose 4.6 kg just before the bronze medal tie. His path was filled with challenges, but Aman’s perseverance paid off when he defeated a former world champion en route to his medal.
Aman’s story teaches us the power of resilience. Despite immense personal loss and mental struggles, he focused on his goal and emerged victorious. No matter how tough life gets, you can overcome the darkest times and achieve greatness.
INDIAN HOCKEY TEAM
In an exhilarating match at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Indian men’s hockey team clinched the bronze medal by overcoming Spain with a 2-1 victory. Spain initially took the lead through a penalty stroke by captain Marc Miralles, but India, driven by sheer determination, fought back. Harmanpreet Singh’s exceptional performance, with two crucial goals, turned the tide in India’s favor. This victory was particularly emotional, marking the final international match for veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who made critical saves in the dying minutes. The win added a 13th medal to India’s illustrious Olympic hockey history, symbolizing a poignant farewell to one of the sport’s legends.
The most heartbreaking event of the Olympics was that of Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification. Phogat’s third Olympic campaign ended in disappointment as she was disqualified from the women’s 50kg final for being 100 grams over the weight limit during the morning weigh-in. Phogat, who had previously defeated Japan’s World and Olympic champion Yui Susaki, had struggled to meet the weight limit despite her efforts, including a sauna session and gym workout. The 57kg wrestler had initially made weight on the first day of the competition but failed to do so before her final match against USA’s Sarah Ann Hildebrandt. Indian women’s team chief coach Virender Dahiya confirmed that despite attempts to cut her weight overnight, Phogat was slightly above the permissible limit, which costed us a silver or Gold medal. Nonetheless, Phogat remains as one of the best wrestler’s India has seen.
In conclusion, India’s journey through the Olympics has been marked by remarkable performances. The legacy of these medalists not only brings pride to the nation but also motivates the next generation to pursue their athletic dreams with vigor and commitment.