10 interesting facts about India's contingent for the Paris Olympics

Published at :July 23, 2024 at 5:48 PM

Modified at :July 23, 2024 at 5:48 PM

India is sending a 117-member contingent for the Paris Olympics.

India’s Olympic history is filled with interesting stories that often go unnoticed due to the country’s relatively low medal count. However, these tales show the dedication and impact of Indian athletes at the Olympics.

One famous story involves hockey player Major Dhyan Chand. At the 1936 Berlin Olympics, his performance was so impressive that Adolf Hitler reportedly offered him German citizenship and a high military rank. Dhyan Chand turned down the offer, choosing to stay loyal to India.

India’s Olympic involvement goes back to the early days of the modern Games. Norman Pritchard became the first Asian Olympic medalist, winning silver in both the 200-meter sprint and hurdles in 1900.

In a surprising achievement, India’s football team made it to the semifinals of the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. They came close to winning a medal, showing India’s potential in a sport not usually linked with the country’s Olympic success.

These are just a few examples from India’s Olympic past. As Indian athletes get ready for the upcoming Paris Games, many wonder what new stories will be added to this history. As we delve, let’s look at top 10 interesting facts about the Paris Olympics 2024.

#1 How many Indian athletes will be at the Paris Olympics?

117 Indian athletes will be representing India and trying hard to win an Olympic medal for India in the Paris Olympics. In terms of numbers, this might look less than the Tokyo Olympics’ number of 119 athletes. But it included 32 Hockey players (16 Men & 16 Women) in the contingent. The Indian Eves missed out on qualifying for the Olympics. Paris contingent is the squad with the most medal opportunities (96) for India ever.

#2 Sports in which India will be competing for the first time?

Jyothi Yarraji became the first Indian to book a place in the women’s 100m hurdles. The girl from Andhra Pradesh rose to fame when she won the Gold in the Asian Athletics Championships. She will be looking to create history in India’s debut at the event. Another athlete who will be making India’s debut is Reetika Hooda in the women’s 76kg weight category.

#3 How many Indian athletes will be making their Olympic debut at the Paris Olympics?

As many as 72 Indians will be achieving their dream as they are set to make their debut in the Olympics. India could get a few medalists from these six sets of a dozen athletes including two-time World Champion Nikhat Zareen in boxing. The World record holder in the women’s 50m rifle 3-position event, Sift Kaur Samra will be one to watch out for.

#4 Which sport will have the largest Indian contingent at the Paris Olympics?

The Shooting contingent with 21 shooters will not only be the largest but also one of the biggest medal hopes for India. India had won all 16 possible quotas (8 each in the Rifle and Pistol event) from the qualifying events. The contingent consists of many World Champions and Asian Games Gold medalists including Manu Bhaker who will be the only shooter competing in two Individual events – 10m air pistol and 25m pistol.

#5 How many male and female athletes will represent India in Paris?

The Indian contingent includes 70 male and 47 women athletes across 16 sports disciplines for the Paris Olympics. Interestingly in the last two Olympics, women have brought home 5 medals, the men could bring 4 medals. Had the Indian women’s hockey team qualified the number would have been even closer, nevertheless, the quality of women athletes has raised high expectations from every athlete.

#6 Who will be the youngest and oldest Indian athletes at the Paris Olympics?

At just 14 years old, swimmer Dhinidhi Desinghu became the youngest Indian to compete at the Olympics in Paris. She qualified based on universality quota and may not be a favorite in the 200m freestyle event, but the experience of being an Olympian with the opportunity to compete against the icons you look up to will be invaluable for the Bengaluru girl. It is her statemate Rohan Bopanna, who is the oldest in the contingent at 44 years old and is returning to the Olympics after being excluded in 2020.

#7 Olympic medalist heading to Paris Olympics

Neeraj Chopra and Lovlina Borgohain are current world champions in their sports. Despite past injuries, they remain strong contenders. Mirabai Chanu and PV Sindhu, both former world champions, have the skills and experience needed to potentially win another medal.

The hockey team is working on improving their discipline and teamwork as they aim for another gold medal.

#8 Only Gold Medal winner from India at Paris Olympics

Tokyo Olympics witnessed history for India as Neeraj Chopra became the first Indian to win a Gold Medal in the field and track event. He was not only the first Indian but also the first Asian to do so. The Javelin Throw event will be closely watched in the Paris Olympics as the 26-year-old will be a favorite to defend his title.

#9 Which Indian athletes will compete in multiple disciplines

2 athletes will be representing the country in two Individual events. Manu Bhaker, the shooting sensation will be competing in 10m air pistol and 25m pistol events. She will be a favorite in both events. Asian Games Champion Parul Chaudhary will be running in the women’s 3000m steeplechase and 5000m, looking to repeat her win from the continental event. Apart from competing in the Individual events, the Archers and Shooters will be competing in the team and mixed team contests in their respective events.

#10 Athletes who qualified but didn’t make the contingent

In events like Shooting and Swimming the quotas are won by countries and not individuals. National Olympic Committees have the authority to nominate the delegation. Bowneesh Mendiratta won India’s first Quota for the Paris Olympics by finishing fourth in the trap event of the 2022 World Championships. But the spot was given to Prithviraj Tondaiman after the latter did well in the Olympic Selection trials. Murai Sreeshankar booked his place in the long jump event but was ruled out due to injury.

There are a few controversial missing out as well as Parveen Hooda’s qualification was overhauled by a suspension from the International Testing Agency as she failed to comply with the whereabouts clause. Shot putter Abha Khatua’s Olympic dream seems to have come to a halt after her name was missed in the list released by the Athletics Federation of India and the reason for it has not been clarified.

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