PEAKLIFE

By Muskan Singh

Indian athletes showcased electrifying performances and accomplished incredible feats throughout the Paris 2024 Olympics, which truly proved to be a historic occasion for the nation. India’s endeavours in Paris demonstrated the country’s resilience, tenacity, and growing prowess on the global sporting stage, yielding an impressive tally of five bronze and one silver medal.

As we reflect on this memorable Olympic campaign, let’s take a glimpse at the best moments for India during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris

Indian Men’s Hockey Team’s Bronze Medal Victory

The Indian Men’s Hockey Team’s nail-biting 2-1 victory over Spain in the third-place playoff was undoubtedly one of the Games’ most electrifying moments. Securing the bronze medal, the team not only added to India’s impressive medal tally but also wrote a new chapter in the nation’s hockey legacy. This hard-fought win stood as a testament to the team’s unwavering spirit, showcasing their resilience and determination on the Olympic stage.

This achievement carried even greater significance as it marked India’s second consecutive Olympic medal in hockey, following their bronze at Tokyo 2020. Moreover, it extended India’s record to an astounding 13 Olympic medals in the discipline, further cementing the country’s status as a hockey powerhouse.

Aman Sehrawat became the youngest Indian to win an Olympic medal

Aman Sehrawat etched his name in the annals of Indian sports history by clinching bronze in the men’s 57 kg freestyle wrestling competition. At just 21 years old, Aman became the youngest Indian ever to win an Olympic medal, adding a chapter to India’s impressive medal haul. His performance on the mat not only showcased his exceptional talent and unwavering perseverance but also heralded a bright future for Indian wrestling.

Manu Bhaker’s Historic Double Medal

Manu Bhaker emerged as a shining star of the Indian contingent, etching her name in Olympic history with remarkable precision. Her bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol competition not only opened India’s medal account but also marked a historic first – she became the first Indian woman to clinch an Olympic medal in shooting. Bhaker’s extraordinary run continued as she paired with Sarabjot Singh to secure another bronze in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event, making her the first Indian woman to win two medals in a single Summer Olympics.

This dual podium finish underscored Bhaker’s exceptional talent and mental fortitude, solidifying her status as one of India’s premier shooters. Her journey to success, characterised by unwavering resolve and remarkable skill, has not only elevated her to the pantheon of Indian shooting prodigies but also inspired a new generation of aspiring marksmen across the nation.

Swapnil Kusale’s Bronze in 50m Rifle 3 Positions

Swapnil Kusale clinched a bronze medal in the gruelling 50m rifle 3 positions event, marking a significant milestone for Indian shooting. His podium finish not only added to India’s growing medal tally but also represented the nation’s first-ever medal in this challenging category. His success further cemented India’s reputation as a rising power in Olympic shooting, showcasing the country’s depth of talent across various disciplines.

Neeraj Chopra’s Silver in Javelin Throw

Neeraj Chopra, the golden boy of Indian athletics, once again etched his name in Olympic history at the Paris 2024 Games. Building on his groundbreaking success from Tokyo 2020, Chopra hurled his way to a silver medal with an impressive throw of 89.45 metres – his second-best career performance. As the first Indian to win two Olympic medals in track and field, Chopra’s consistency and excellence were on full display in Paris. Despite narrowly missing gold to Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who set a new Olympic record with a phenomenal 92.97m throw, Chopra’s silver shone just as brightly in the eyes of his nation.

His performance in Paris elevated him to an elite group of Indian two-time Olympic medalists, joining illustrious names like Norman Pritchard, Sushil Kumar, PV Sindhu, and Manu Bhaker.

Lakshya Sen’s Breakthrough in Badminton

Lakshya Sen etched his name in Indian badminton history with a remarkable Olympic debut in Paris. Becoming the first Indian shuttler to reach the men’s singles semifinals at the Olympics, Sen’s performance captivated the nation and the global badminton community alike. His journey to the penultimate round was nothing short of spectacular, featuring victories over compatriot HS Prannoy and reigning All-England champion Jonatan Christie en route to topping his group. While Sen narrowly missed out on a medal, his breakthrough performance in Paris laid the foundation for future Olympic success and has inspired a new generation of shuttlers across India.

Vinesh Phogat’s Unwavering Spirit

Vinesh Phogat’s journey at the Paris 2024 Olympics epitomised both the triumphs and tribulations of elite sports. Her remarkable run to the women’s 50 kg final was nothing short of historic, as she defeated a series of world-class opponents including defending Olympic champion Yui Susaki, former European champion Oksana Livach, and Pan American Games champion Yusneylis Guzman. Phogat stood on the brink of becoming the first Indian woman to compete in an Olympic wrestling final, a testament to her exceptional skill and determination.

However, fate had a cruel twist in store. On the morning of her gold medal bout against Sarah Hildebrandt of the USA, Phogat was disqualified for being approximately 100 grams overweight.

In the aftermath of this devastating setback, Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling, marking the end of a stellar career. Her decision to approach the court for a joint silver medal showcased her fighting spirit even in adversity. While her Olympic dream may have ended in an unexpected manner, Phogat’s journey to the final and her unwavering resilience in the face of disappointment inspired millions across India, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in Indian wrestling.

PR Sreejesh and Manu Bhaker as flag-bearers for the Closing Ceremony

As the curtain fell on the Paris 2024 Olympics, India’s Olympic journey culminated in a moment of pride and reflection. PR Sreejesh, the stalwart goalkeeper of the Indian men’s hockey team, and Manu Bhaker, the young shooting sensation, were bestowed with the honour of carrying the national flag during the Closing Ceremony. Their selection as flag bearers symbolised the perfect blend of experience and youth that characterised India’s successful Olympic campaign.

Sreejesh, a veteran of multiple Olympic games and a key figure in India’s bronze-medal winning hockey team, carried the flag with the weight of history on his shoulders. In a poignant turn of events, he announced his retirement from international hockey following the ceremony.

Table Tennis’s Historic Run by Manika Batra

Manika Batra created history by becoming the first table tennis player from India to advance to the Olympic pre-quarterfinals. Her triumphs, which included a noteworthy upset over Prithika Pavade of France, signalled a new turning point in Indian table tennis history and demonstrated the game’s rising popularity in the nation.

India’s Best Archery Performance

India’s best-ever performance in the Olympic archery was achieved by Dhiraj Bommadevara and Ankita Bhakat, who placed fourth in the mixed team competition. Their performance demonstrated the potential of Indian archers on the international scene and was a noteworthy accomplishment.

India House: A Home Away from Home for Olympic Spirit

At the heart of the Olympic Village, India House emerged as a vibrant hub for Indian athletes, officials, and supporters, fostering a profound sense of unity and national pride. This innovative initiative, a collaborative effort between the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Reliance Foundation, played a pivotal role in a broader strategy to enhance the performance of Indian athletes and bolster national sports federations. More than just a physical space, India House served as a sanctuary for athletes, offering them a slice of home amidst the intense pressure of Olympic competition.