India’s Road to the Paris 2024 Olympics
As the world turns its gaze to the Paris 2024 Olympics, India proudly announces its largest-ever contingent for the games, consisting of 117 athletes across 16 sports disciplines. This diverse team, which includes 70 men and 47 women, will compete in 69 events with 95 medals at stake—supported by an impressive funding allocation of over 470 Crore rupees, the Indian athletes are primed to make their mark on the global stage. Join the Sanskar Savvy community to stay updated on the latest cultural milestones, Explore inspiring stories, and Connect with like-minded individuals passionate to Celebrate our diverse heritage.
Sports Landscape in India
India’s sports ecosystem has evolved into an athlete-centric model, with the motto “Athlete-First.” This integrated ecosystem includes the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), and the National Sports Federations (NSFs). Together, these bodies ensure that athletes can focus solely on their training and competition, with logistics and other support taken care of by the system. Corporate sponsors, CSR partners, athlete families, fans, broadcasters, and media have all played crucial roles in sustaining Olympic sports in India.
Government Efforts for Efficiency and Growth
The Indian government has significantly ramped up its efforts to support athletes and boost the country’s performance in the Olympics. These efforts encompass a variety of initiatives and programs designed to enhance the training, preparation, and overall performance of Indian athletes on the global stage.
Achievements and Impact
The impact of these efforts is evident from the significant increase in medals won across recent competitions. From winning two medals in Rio 2016 to 7 in Tokyo 2020 and from 4 to 19 medals in the Paralympics, India’s performance reflects the enhanced support system, including the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), National Sports Development Fund (NSDF), and extensive corporate backing. The nation’s medal count at the Asian Games and Asian Para Games also surged, showcasing the success of an athlete-centric sports ecosystem and comprehensive government initiatives. This upward trajectory underscores India’s commitment to achieving excellence in global sports.
Paris 2024: The Tricolour Athletes of India to Watch
Eyes from far and wide will be on India during the opening ceremony, so in the lead-up to the event, Sanskar Savvy takes a closer look at the athletes and teams representing India.
On July 26, a contingent of India’s top athletes led by badminton superstar PV Sindhu and table tennis ace Sharath Kamal will, for the first time in Summer Olympics history, parade on one of a hundred boats down a 6-kilometer stretch of the Seine River as part of the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony. Paris, being the fashion capital of the world, the Indian Olympic Association has pulled out all the stops, fitting its athletes in Team India Olympic uniforms 2024 designed by Tarun Tahiliani, one of India’s leading fashion designers.
The sportsmen of Team India will be seen in their kurta bundi, crafted from lightweight moss cotton, ensuring breathability and comfort. The sportswomen will be draped in a sari, a symbol of grace and cultural identity, reimagined in a viscose crepe for a natural drape and paired with a high-neck blouse.
While India’s performance has been less than dominant, its representation at the Summer Olympics over the past few editions has steadily increased. At Tokyo 2020, the Indian contingent was made up of 124 athletes, the largest that India has ever sent.
Since the Paris 1900 Summer Olympics, India has won 35 medals. Medals have been awarded to India for its dominance in Hockey and a wide range of individual sports, such as shooting, wrestling, weightlifting, and badminton. In Tokyo 2020, India achieved its highest medal count of seven (7) and its first-ever track and field Olympic gold medal through Neeraj Chopra’s stellar performance in javelin.
Paris 2024 could be India’s best medal haul at the Summer Olympics.
High-Profile Indian Athletes to Watch at Paris 2024
India has several high-profile athletes to watch at the Paris 2024 Olympics:
Neeraj Chopra (Javelin Throw)
Neeraj Chopra, the defending Olympic champion, will compete in the men’s javelin throw. He won gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the 2023 World Athletics Championships. Neeraj is a top contender for a medal in Paris (Paris 2024 Olympics) (Hindustan Times).
PV Sindhu (Badminton)
PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist, will compete in women’s singles badminton. She aims to add a gold medal to her collection after winning silver in Rio 2016 and bronze in Tokyo 2020 (India Today) (Outlook India).
Mirabai Chanu (Weightlifting)
The Tokyo 2020 silver medalist, Mirabai Chanu, will compete in the women’s 49kg weightlifting category. She aims to secure India’s first-ever Olympic gold in weightlifting (Hindustan Times) (Outlook India).
Vinesh Phogat (Wrestling)
Vinesh Phogat, a top wrestler, will compete in the women’s 50kg category. She has consistently performed well in international competitions and is a strong medal contender (India Today) (Outlook India).These athletes, along with the rest of the Indian contingent, are set to make a significant impact at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Indian Americans Competing for Team USA
Two notable athletes of Indian heritage will represent Team USA at the Paris 2024 Olympics:
Rajeev Ram (Tennis)
- Event: Men’s Doubles
- Indian Ties: Born in Denver, Colorado, to parents who migrated from Bangalore. His father, Raghav Ram, was a botanist, and his mother, Sushma Ram, was a scientific technician. Rajeev has achieved considerable success, including five Grand Slam titles and a silver medal in mixed doubles at the 2016 Rio Olympics (Paris 2024 Olympics) (Hindustan Times).
Kanak Jha (Table Tennis)
- Event: Men’s Singles
- Indian Ties: His mother, Karuna Jha, is from Mumbai, and his father, Arun Jha, was raised in Kolkata and Prayagraj. He started his table tennis journey at the India Community Centre in Milpitas, California. Kanak Jha is a four-time U.S. National Champion and has represented the USA in two previous Olympics (Hindustan Times) (Inside Sport India).
Though competing for the USA, these athletes carry forward their Indian heritage and contribute to the rich diversity of the Olympic Games. Their participation highlights the global nature of the Olympics and the contributions of the Indian diaspora to sports worldwide.
Conclusion
The Paris 2024 Olympics promises to be a landmark event for Indian athletes, with the largest contingent ever and significant support from the government and corporate sponsors. Additionally, Indian-origin athletes like Rajeev Ram and Kanak Jha, who represent Team USA, further underscore the global impact of the Indian sports community. As India aims for its best medal haul yet, the world will watch these athletes showcase their talents and make their mark on the Olympic stage.
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