From Neeraj Chopra to Abhinav Bindra: Celebrating moments when the tricolour soared at the Olympic podium

With the Paris Olympics 2024 just around the corner, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) recently held a ceremonial send-off to the Indian contingent in New Delhi.

As India's contingent stands poised for this prestigious event, let's celebrate the moments when Indian players or teams had clinched gold at the Olympics.

Neeraj Chopra - gold medal in men's javelin throw, Tokyo 2020

Neeraj Chopra/ Olympics.com

Hailing from Khandra village in Haryana, Neeraj Chopra had to face many obstacles before he reached the pinnacle of his achievements.

A lack of proper equipment and training facilities during his formative years led him to depend on makeshift javelins.

Also read: Paris Olympics 2024: How much prize money do players at the Olympics receive?

His gold medal in javelin throw at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 marked a historic moment for India in track and field sports.

This victory not only secured India's first track-and-field medal at any Olympic Games but also elevated Neeraj as India's second individual Olympic champion, following Abhinav Bindra.

His remarkable throw of 87.58 meters also contributed to India's record-breaking medal haul of seven at Tokyo 2020, the nation's best-ever performance at a single edition of the Olympics.

Abhinav Bindra, gold medal - men¡¯s 10m air rifle shooting, Beijing 2008

Abhinav Bindra

India experienced its pinnacle of Olympic glory at Beijing 2008 when Abhinav Bindra secured an unforgettable gold medal in the men's 10m air rifle event.

With a near-perfect 10.8 on his final shot, Bindra etched his name in history as the first Indian to claim an individual Olympic gold medal.

Born into a family deeply involved in shooting sports, Bindra began his training at a young age under the guidance of his supportive parents and coaches.

His pursuit of excellence in shooting faced numerous hurdles, including rigorous training schedules, intense competition, and the constant quest for perfection in technique and mental preparation.

Indian hockey team winning gold - 1980, 1964, 1956, 1952, 1948, 1036, 1932 and 1928

India winning its first Olympic hockey gold medal/ olympics.com

Indian hockey teams have a storied legacy in the Olympics, establishing India as a dominant force in the sport.

The men's team, particularly, has been a powerhouse, securing a total of eight gold medals, starting with their first win in 1928.

This golden era extended until 1980, highlighting India's supremacy in field hockey.

The women's team, though newer to the international scene, has also shown remarkable progress, earning respect and recognition.

In recent years, both teams have exhibited commendable performances, with the men's team winning a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, their first in over four decades.

This resurgence in form signifies a promising future for Indian hockey, rekindling national pride and inspiring new generations of players.

This time, let's see which Indian players make us proud.

As players prepare for the Paris Olympics 2024, let's see which Indian athletes rise to the occasion and make us proud this time around!

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