Leander Paes has participated in a staggering seven consecutive Olympic Games, from 1992 to 2016.
As the 2024 Paris Olympics loom large, India gears up with a young and promising squad. While relatively fresh faces like Neeraj Chopra and Avinash Sable are generating excitement, India also boasts a rich history of athletes who consistently graced the Olympic stage. Let’s look at the ranks of the five Indian athletes with the most Olympic appearances.
Leander Paes: The Tennis Trailblazer (7 Appearances — 1992–2016)
Leander Paes stands tall as the undisputed leader in Olympic appearances among Indian athletes. A true tennis legend,Paes holds a unique global record — participating in a staggering seven consecutive Olympic Games, from 1992 to 2016. His dedication and longevity are truly remarkable. Paes’ Olympic journey wasn’t just about participation; he secured a historic bronze medal for India in singles tennis at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, defeating Fernando Meligeni of Brazil.This victory stands as a testament to his exceptional skills and fighting spirit.
#Throwback : The moment when Leander Paes became the first Asian to win a medal in tennis at the Olympics. A timeless inspiration for the pursuit of excellence.
— Indian Tennis Daily (ITD) (@IndTennisDaily) April 18, 2024
🎥 credit : Tacita YouTube@Leander pic.twitter.com/ZSfF2VKDkc
Abhinav Bindra: From Stepping Stones to Gold (4 Appearances — 2004–2016)
Abhinav Bindra, India’s iconic shooter, etched his name in Olympic history at the 2008 Beijing Games. His exceptional performance secured India’s first-ever individual gold medal in the men’s 10-meter air rifle category. This monumental achievement cemented his place as a national hero. Bindra’s journey to gold wasn’t a single leap; it was built on consistent participation across four Olympic Games (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016). While he narrowly missed another podium finish in Rio 2016, his dedication and perseverance across multiple Olympics deserve recognition.
Warmest congratulations to @Abhinav_Bindra for being bestowed with the prestigious Olympic Order by IOC.
— Rishi Baruah (@rishi_baruah) July 23, 2024
Being India's first individual gold medalist at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, your remarkable achievement fills us with immense pride. Sharing a small clip from the 2008 Games. pic.twitter.com/k9vjaoxWGq
PT Usha: The Endurance Queen (4 Appearances — 1980–1996)
PT Usha, also known as the “Payyoli Express,” is a legendary figure in Indian athletics. While she never secured an Olympic medal, her unwavering spirit and dominance on the track are undeniable. Usha’s commitment to the sport is evident in her impressive record of four Olympic appearances, spanning from 1980 to 1996. She consistently came close to podium finishes, showcasing her exceptional talent and endurance. Usha remains an inspiration for aspiring Indian athletes, especially female runners.
Medal or no medal, PT Usha holds a special place in the Indian Olympics folklore // Picture Courtesy — Wikimedia
GaganNarang: A Sharpshooter’s Consistency (4 Appearances — 2004–2016)
GaganNarang, a decorated Indian shooter, carved a niche for himself in Olympic history. He boasts four appearances across four consecutive Olympic Games (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016). Narang’s exceptional shooting skills earned him a bronze medal in the men’s 10-meter air rifle event at the 2012 London Games. While he couldn’t replicate this podium finish at subsequent Olympics, his consistent presence on the Olympic stage signifies his dedication and talent.
GaganNarang has participated in four Olympics // Picture Courtesy — Olympics.com
Sushil Kumar: A Wrestling Stalwart (3 Appearances — 2004–2012)
His recent history notwithstanding, Sushil Kumar played a pivotal role in reviving India’s wrestling prowess at the Olympics. He secured two Olympic medals — a bronze in 2008 (Beijing) and a silver in 2012 (London) — showcasing his exceptional wrestling skills on the global stage. Kumar’s Olympic journey spanned three consecutive Games (2004, 2008, 2012). His consistent participation and remarkable achievements became an inspiration Indian wrestling.
These five athletes stand as icons who continue to inspire millions of Indian sportspersons. Their consistent presence on the Olympic stage not only brought glory to India but also motivated generations of aspiring athletes to dream big and compete on the world’s grandest sporting platform.
