Paris: India is poised to field over 100 athletes who will compete in 69 medal events across 16 sports at the Summer Olympics in Paris, officially commencing on July 26, 2024.
While the inaugural stages of several sports, including football, rugby sevens, handball, and archery, are scheduled to commence prior to the grand opening ceremony. The Summer Olympics in Paris will be available to watch live across India for free, as detailed in a statement issued by Olympics.com.
India's delegation to Paris 2024 includes its debut in the archery ranking rounds on July 25, featuring a six-person team that includes notable athletes such as Deepika Kumari and Tarundeep Rai.
Entering into the Olympics in Paris, India is building on its most triumphant Olympic performance at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, where Indian athletes secured seven medals: one gold, two silver, and four bronze.
Neeraj Chopra, who clinched the gold in the men's javelin throw at the Tokyo Olympics, has made history by being the first Indian to secure an Olympic medal in athletics.
This marks only the second time an Indian athlete has won a gold medal, following Abhinav Bindra's victory in the men's 10m air rifle shooting at the Beijing 2008 Olympics.
Neeraj, who is also the reigning champion at the World and Asian Games, aims to defend his title in Paris, scheduled for August 6 and 8.
Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, badminton player PV Sindhu, and boxer Lovlina Borgohain are among the other Indian athletes who have secured Olympic medals, making up India's 112-strong contingent headed to Paris.
The Indian men's hockey team, which clinched the bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, marking the end of a 41-year absence from the podium, will continue to build upon the momentum established during their success in Japan just three years prior. Additionally, achieving a gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics would serve as a poignant retirement gift for legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who has recently announced his intention to bow out following the upcoming Summer Games.
This prestigious event also attracts young talents, including hurdler Jyothi Yarraji, badminton stars Lakshya Sen, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, and Chirag Shetty, world champion boxer Nikhat Zareen, tennis player Sumit Nagal, and wrestler Antim Panghal, all poised to assert their dominance.
Meanwhile, shooter Manu Bhaker seeks to overcome the recent disappointment of not securing a medal at Tokyo 2020, taking on the challenge to lead the Indian shooting team in Paris.
The 2024 Olympics in Paris promises to be a significant showcase of Indian prowess, with tennis ace Rohan Bopanna, at the age of 44, setting the record for the oldest athlete, and swimmer Dhinidhi Desinghu, at just 14, emerging as the youngest competitor.
Athletics remains a cornerstone of the Indian delegation, with a strong presence of 29 athletes, including notable names such as Avinash Sable, Annu Rani, Kishore Jena, and Tajinerpal Singh Toor.
In the realm of badminton, PV Sindhu aspires to make history in Paris, aiming to become the first Indian to secure three individual Olympic medals, with a previous silver at the Rio 2016 Olympics and bronze at the Tokyo 2020, further cementing India's dominance in the sport.
Equestrian athlete Anush Agarwalla is set to embark on a historic journey, aiming to become the first Indian to compete in the dressage events at the Olympics, adding to India's growing reputation in equestrian sports.
