Hockey, deeply ingrained in India’s sporting heritage, has consistently brought national pride.
As the Olympic flame ignites in Paris for the 2024 Games, India gears up to etch new chapters in its Olympic legacy. With a rich history of participation and 35 medals secured, let’s revisit some of India’s most significant triumphs at the Olympic Games.
Neeraj Chopra, India’s track and field prodigy, etched his name in Olympic history at the 2020 Tokyo Games. He became the second Indian after Abhinav Bindra to win an individual gold medal, achieving a remarkable feat. This victory marked a historic first for India, securing its maiden gold medal in the track and field category.
Chopra’s exceptional throw of 87.58 meters in the finals earned him the coveted “golden title.” His dedication to the sport extends far beyond the Olympics, evident through his consistent performance across various global platforms including the Stockholm League,Asian Games, World Athletics Championships, and Kuortane Games.
Hockey, deeply ingrained in India’s sporting heritage, has consistently brought national pride. The most recent triumph came at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, where the Indian men’s hockey team secured a bronze medal. Under the leadership of Captain Manpreet Singh, the team displayed exceptional teamwork, delivering a legendary victory that resonated globally. This win showcased India’s formidable unity and rekindled memories of the nation’s glorious past in hockey.
Mary Kom bagged a bronze medal in the flyweight category (48–51 kg) in 2012 // Picture Courtesy — Indian Express
PV Sindhu’s journey with badminton began at the tender age of eight, leading her to the international circuit by 14. Since then, she has amassed numerous titles and accolades, including the distinction of being the youngest Olympic medalist.Her accomplishments extend to the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi KhelRatna Award and the Padma Shri, both recognizing her exceptional sporting achievements.
Sindhu scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman to win two individual Olympic medals. She secured a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, adding to the silver medal she won at the Rio 2016 Olympics. This remarkable feat solidified her position as a trailblazer for Indian women in sports.
Mary Kom, a boxing legend, politician, and former member of the RajyaSabha, is a multifaceted icon in Indian sports.She has left an indelible mark not just in the boxing ring, but also in the Indian parliament. Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ portrayal of Kom in the 2014 film “Mary Kom” captured the essence of her extraordinary journey. Kom’s pioneering spirit was evident at the 2012 London Olympics, where she became the first female boxer to win an Olympic medal for India. She bagged a bronze medal in the flyweight category (48–51 kg), inspiring a generation of Indian women boxers.
SainaNehwal, one of India’s most decorated badminton players, rewrote history at the 2012 London Olympics. Her stellar performance secured a bronze medal for India, significantly contributing to the sport’s growing popularity within the country. Nehwal’s dominance extended beyond the Olympics, evident through her victories at the Commonwealth Games and the All England Open.
On This Day In 2012
— Saina Nehwal Fans Club (@NSaina_FansClub) August 4, 2022
Queen Saina Nehwal @NSaina Scripted History By Becaming First Indian Badminton Player To Win Medal In Olympics #LondonOlympics #SainaNehwal #SainaNehwalFansClub #BadmintonQueen #Olympics #QueenOfBadminton pic.twitter.com/QmiRolAl7f
Abhinav Bindra, a shooting prodigy, etched his name in Indian sporting history at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. His exceptional performance secured India’s first-ever individual gold medal in the men’s 10-meter air rifle category, igniting a wave of national pride. The nation celebrated this momentous victory, marking August 11, 2008, as a significant milestone. Bindra’s exceptional performance set a high bar for future generations of Indian athletes, inspiring them to reach for the pinnacle of sporting excellence.
Abhinav Bindra won India’s first-ever individual gold medal at the Olympics // Picture Courtesy — India Tv
Shooting has consistently contributed to India’s Olympic medal tally, with four medals secured in the sport. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore’s exceptional win at the 2004 Athens Olympics showcased his remarkable talent and focus. He became the first Indian to secure a silver medal in the men’s double-trap category at the global Games. His achievements significantly inspired Abhinav Bindra, who has acknowledged Rathore’s influence in several interviews.
KarnamMalleswari carved a significant niche for Indian women in weightlifting at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. She not only excelled in the sport but also secured a historic bronze medal for India in the 54kg weightlifting category. This victory marked a groundbreaking moment, making her the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal.
