Top five medal prospects for India in athletics at Paris Olympics 2024

Athletics has shown great growth after the Tokyo Olympics.

India’s track and field athletes have been on an upward trajectory since Neeraj Chopra’s historic gold medal win in the men’s javelin throw at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which catapulted Indian athletics into the global spotlight.

Over the past few years, these athletes have consistently impressed at major international meets such as the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Athletics Championships, Diamond League and World Championships by setting new benchmarks. The Indian athletics team comprising 30 members will participate in 17 events at the venues of Stade de France and Trocadero.

let’s spotlight five Indian track and field prospects who are primed to shine on the grand stage of the Paris Olympics

5. Tajinderpal Singh Toor

Tajinderpal Singh Toor, the Indian men’s shot put record holder has dominated the Asian circuit, holding the continental record at 21.77m, until recently surpassed by Saudi Arabia’s Mohamed Daouda Tolo (21.80m). Despite being a two-time Asian champion, two-time Asian Games champion and two-time Asian Indoor champion, Toor has struggled to translate his success to the global stage due to persistent injuries.

This season has been challenging for Toor, whose throw of 20.38m at the Federation Cup in May marked his lone entry beyond the 20m threshold. Yet, the Olympics offer him a chance to establish himself among the top shot put talents worldwide.

4. Parul Chaudhary

Parul Chaudhary stands out as one of the few athletes in the Indian contingent slated to compete in multiple events. Similar to Avinash Sable’s dominance in the men’s event, Parul Chaudhary has carved out a niche as the standout in women’s 3000m steeplechase in India, where she holds the national record with an impressive time of 9:15.31s and reigns as the Asian champion. The 29-year-old runner also showcases her versatility in the women’s 5000m. Chaudhary has set another national record in the 5000m event, clocking a swift 15:10.35s.

Despite her strength in both disciplines, her season-best time of 9:31.38s in the steeplechase this year suggests she will need to deliver stronger performances to leave a lasting impression on the international stage.

3. Avinash Sable

Avinash Sable, the 29-year-old has emerged as a standout in men’s 3000m steeplechase by setting a new national record of 8:09.91s, which ranks as the fourth fastest time in Asian history. Despite his disappointment at Tokyo 2020, where he set a national record in the heats but missed the final, Sable has continuously improved and even broke the Kenyan dominance with a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham 2022.

A podium in Paris may be a tough ask, but Sable’s trajectory showcases relentless drive and potential.

2. Jeswin Aldrin

Next on the list of India’s track and field hopefuls for the Paris 2024 Olympics is Jeswin Aldrin, the national record-holder in men’s long jump with a remarkable 8.42 meters achieved at the Indian Open Jumps Competition in 2023. Despite this feat, Aldrin’s journey leading up to the Olympics has been fraught with challenges. His season’s best of 7.99 meters in the Federation Cup reflects a struggle to regain peak form after failing to surpass the 8-meter mark so far this season.

Securing his Olympic berth amidst a series of withdrawals including that of his injured compatriot Sreeshankar Murali, Aldrin faces scrutiny over his recent performance downturn. With disappointing showings at the World Championships and Asian Games in the previous year, he will be looking to rediscover his winning form in the Olympics.

1. Neeraj Chopra

Neeraj Chopra remains the epitome of Indian athletics squad since his groundbreaking triumph at Tokyo 2020, where he clinched India’s maiden gold medal in track and field. Continuing his streak of victories, Chopra recently secured another gold at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland with a throw of 85.97 meters. While he hasn’t yet breached the 90-meter mark this season, his consistent performances in the 87-89 meter range underscore his status as a top contender.

As he gears up to defend his Olympic title, Chopra’s unwavering focus and track record of success make him a standout prospect in the javelin throw event for India at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

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