Top 10 Tokyo Olympics events which will make Indians excited
Representatives of the country are top contenders to win medal in these disciplines.
The Tokyo Olympics is almost in the doorstep and Indian fans cannot control their excitement to watch their favourite athletes perform at mega event. A total of 121 Indian athletes are heading into the Olympics, some are even ranked as the top player in their discipline, so there are chances of a few podium finishes. Shooting and Boxing are two sports where Indians will be top contenders for a podium finish.
However, in terms of form, archer Deepika Kumari has been on song in the last two World Cups. She recently reclaimed the top ranking after grabbing three gold medals in Paris in a single day. Apart from them, the Men's Hockey team are also fired up and they will have the opportunity to bring back the lost glory. Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and shuttler PV Sindhu will also be in the mix irrespective of their current status.
All in all, it looks like there is a lot of action that will keep the Indians fans glued to their seats.
10. Boxing Men's Flyweight (52kg)
Boxing has always been a sport where India has done well in the Olympics. Starting from Vijender Singh's days to Mary Kom's reign, it is a sport that we take a lot of pride in. This time as well, a bunch of talented boxers have qualified for the Tokyo Olympics. Some of them will hope for a podium finish with a medal.
Among all the boxers, a lot of attention should be on Amit Panghal, who is World No. 1 in Flyweight. He has been exceptional in the discipline and is one of the contenders to bag a medal in the 52 kg category. The event kicks off on July 26.
9. Archery Recurve Women's Individual
Just like Amit Panghal, ace archer Deepika Kumari has also clinched the World No. 1 spot in recurve rankings. She will head on to Tokyo carrying that badge of honour. Deepika has been in great form in 2021, starting from the gold medal in Guatemala to another gold in Paris. The 27-year-old has grown strength to strength and will be one of the top Indian medal contenders. The ranking round begins on July 25.
8. Wrestling Women's 53 kg Freestyle
Another woman who is in her purple patch is Asian Champion wrestler Vinesh Phogat. The ace Indian wrestler is looking forward to the Tokyo Olympics as redemption for the Rio Olympics.
She had to forfeit her quarter-finals due to a knee injury in the previous edition of the Olympics. The Arjuna awardee will be looking to make the most of her excellent form in the buildup to the Games.
Phogat is also the top-seeded wrestler in her category and hence the pressure will be on the 26-year-old to deliver. The action kicks off on August 6.
7. Men's 10m Air Pistol
Shooting is another sport that has been India's stronghold in the Olympics for a few years. At the Tokyo Olympics, hopes are high in accordance with their buildup to the Summer Games.
In 10m Men's Air Pistol, India have two of their brightest talents in Saurabh Chaudhary and Abhishek Verma. Chaudhary has been in form in both the Shooting World Cups whereas Verma will look to improve after his performance in Croatia. The event takes place on July 24.
6. Men's Hockey
After many years, the Indian Men's Hockey team is looking like a formidable side heading into the Olympics. Led by Manpreet Singh and playing under the tutelage of coach Graham Reid, the Men in Blue are out on a mission.
Although they are in a tough pool, Reid's men are aiming for a podium finish. Their form in the Hockey Pro League gives a lot of hope and if they can replicate such performances then we can very well see them achieving the target. India face New Zealand in their first match on July 24.
5. Women's 10m Air Pistol
Just like in men's 10m Air Pistol, the women's contingent in the same event will be equally capable of securing a podium finish at the Tokyo Olympics.
The duo of Manu Bhaker and Yeshashwini Singh Deswal have shown their calibre earlier with medals at the Shooting World Cup held in New Delhi in 2021. Both of them are in good shape and are capable of etching their names in the history books for India. The event takes place on July 25.
4. Badminton Women's Singles
It will be exciting to see how the 2016 Rio Olympics Silver medallist PV Sindhu fares in the Tokyo Olympics. She has not been at her best due to several injury concerns. Therefore, the former World No. 1 may not be in the best shape during the Games.
However, knowing her quality and credentials, her opponents will not count her out. It is an opportunity for Sindhu to prove everyone wrong, which will make the event a must watch for all Indians. The preliminary round kicks off on July 24.
3. Table Tennis Mixed Doubles
It is a new event that will be inducted into the Olympics from Tokyo. It will be a different experience for the viewers who enjoy classic table tennis. Nevertheless, the Indian pair of Achanta Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra have qualified for the event after their inspiring display at the Asian Olympics Qualifiers in Qatar.
It will be challenging for the Indian pair but Sharath kamal's experience and Manika's aggression will make this event even more exciting. The mixed doubles Round of 16 begins on July 24.
2. Men's Javelin Throw
One of India's biggest medal hopeful, Neeraj Chopra will be heading into the Tokyo Olympics with determination. There is a huge chance that if he performs to his standards, then he can finish on the podium.
Two of the top javelin throwers in the world, Thomas Roehler of Germany and Magnus Kirt of Estonia have withdrawn from the Summer Games citing injury concerns. While it is unfortunate for the athletes to miss out, it definitely increases the chances of a podium finish for Neeraj. The qualifying round begins on August 4.
1. Boxing Women's 51kg
We just cannot afford to leave out six time World Champion and 2012 London Olympics Bronze medalist Mary Kom from this list. The experienced Indian pugilist is an inspiration for young boxers in the country. Despite all the problems in recent times, Mary Kom has been up to her task.
She won the silver medal at the Asian Championships earlier in 2021 and will look to put up a strong performance at the Tokyo Olympics. The preliminary round begins on July 25.
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