Produced by: Tarun Mishra
India aims to surpass its previous Olympic medal tally of seven in the Paris Olympics 2024. The opening ceremony will be held along the Seine River on Friday.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has sent 117 athletes to compete in 16 of the 32 sports in the games. This contingent includes past Olympic winners such as javelin champion Neeraj Chopra and boxer Lovlina Borgohain.
PT Usha, president of the IOA and legendary track and field athlete, expressed confidence in achieving a "double digit medal tally." Efforts have been made to provide athletes with essential support, including mental conditioning experts and personal coaches.
Neeraj Chopra, India's renowned javelin thrower, aims to defend his Olympic gold from Tokyo 2020. He faces tough competition from Germany's Max Dehning, who recently threw over 90 meters.
Two-time World Champion in boxing, Nikhat Zareen, will make her Olympic debut in the 50kg category. Zareen hopes to secure a medal and step out of Mary Kom's shadow, India's first Olympic medalist in boxing.
Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who won silver in Tokyo, aims to improve her medal tally in Paris. Despite a recent hip injury, Chanu's personal best lifts position her as a strong contender against rivals from China and the US.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, ranked World No. 3 in men's doubles, are among India's top badminton players. PV Sindhu, an Olympic medalist, also aims for success in women's singles.
The Indian men’s hockey team, which ended a 40-year medal drought with a bronze in Tokyo, seeks to improve or repeat its success. Despite recent mixed performances, fans are hopeful for a strong showing.
Shooter Sift Kaur Samra, who set a world record in the Asian Games, is a promising contender in women's 50m rifle three positions. Wrestler Antim Panghal, who qualified for the Olympics ahead of veteran Vinesh Phogat, has been in excellent form and aims to continue India's success in wrestling. Other notable athletes include steeplechaser Avinash Sable and hurdler Jyothi Yarraji.