India at the Olympics: Reflecting on past performances amid Paris Olympics 2024 fever

The Paris Olympics 2024 started with a stunning and unique opening ceremony on Friday. For the first time, the ceremony took place outside the main stadium, along the River Seine. About 7,000 athletes paraded past historic landmarks in Paris, with around 300,000 people watching from special stands along the riverbanks and another 200,000 viewing from balconies and apartments.

With the 33rd edition of the Olympic Games now underway in Paris, it’s a good time to look at India's track record in this major global sporting event. Here's the history of India’s participation and wins in the Olympic Games over the years.

India's achievements in the last five Olympics

2020 Tokyo: A historic performance (7 medals)

Reuters

India had its best-ever Olympics in Tokyo 2020, securing seven medals. This included the first-ever track and field gold for India, won by Neeraj Chopra in the men’s javelin throw. The men's hockey team also ended a 40-year medal drought with a bronze. Mirabai Chanu (silver in weightlifting), Ravi Dahiya (silver in wrestling), PV Sindhu (bronze in badminton), Lovlina Borgohain (bronze in boxing), and Bajrang Punia (bronze in wrestling) were among the other medalists.

2016 Rio de Janeiro: A modest haul (2 medals)

PTI

India won two medals in Rio 2016. PV Sindhu earned a silver in women's singles badminton, becoming the first Indian woman to win a silver medal. She was also the youngest Indian to win an individual Olympic medal at age 21. Sakshi Malik won a bronze in the women's 58 kg wrestling category, marking the first-ever Olympic medal by an Indian female wrestler.

2012 London: A record tally (6 medals)

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The 2012 London Olympics saw India winning six medals, including two silvers and four bronzes. In shooting, Vijay Kumar won silver in the 25 m rapid fire pistol, and Gagan Narang took bronze in the 10 m air rifle. Saina Nehwal (badminton) and Mary Kom (boxing) also secured bronzes, marking the first time two Indian women won medals in the same Olympics. Wrestlers Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt added a silver and a bronze, respectively.

2008 Beijing: A golden moment (3 medals)

AP

The 2008 Beijing Olympics were historic for India, with shooter Abhinav Bindra winning the country's first-ever individual gold medal in the men’s 10 m air rifle event. Sushil Kumar (bronze in men’s 66 kg freestyle wrestling) and Vijender Singh (bronze in boxing middleweight category) also made the nation proud.

2004 Athens: A solitary medal (1 medal)

Reuters

In the 2004 Athens Olympics, shooter Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore won a silver medal in the men’s double trap event, marking India’s first-ever individual silver medal.

India’s Olympic medal tally over the years

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India has accumulated a total of 35 Olympic medals. The journey began with two silver medals in athletics in 1900. Over the years, India has won several medals in wrestling, shooting, and other sports. Field hockey remains the most successful sport for India, with 12 medals. The Indian hockey team dominated from 1928 to 1964, winning six consecutive gold medals. The ‘Indian dribble’, a technique developed in 1956, became a fundamental skill in hockey worldwide.

Increasing participation of Indian athletes

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The number of Indian athletes participating in the Olympics has steadily increased. From 86 athletes in 1948, the contingent grew to 117 in the Paris 2024 Olympics. This was the highest number until 2012. In recent editions, India has sent over 100 athletes, with a significant increase in the proportion of women athletes—from 27% in 2012 to over 40% in the recent Games.

Also Read:?Paris Olympics 2024: 5 coolest facts you need to know about the games

Indians at the Paris Games 2024

AP

Also Read:?Paris Olympics 2024: Oops! The Olympic flag was raised upside down at opening ceremony

The Indian contingent at the Paris 2024 Olympics comprises 117 athletes—70 men and 47 women—competing in 16 disciplines. For the first time, India is participating in the equestrian dressage event, where riders showcase creative skills to music. Other disciplines include judo, sailing, rowing, swimming, archery, table tennis, and golf, in which India has yet to secure a medal.

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