PremiumParis Olympics 2024: Neeraj Chopra, PV Sindhu among India’s medal hopes
India won 7 medals at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020, including one gold. Can the 117-strong contingent return with a better haul?
Will India better its Medal haul?
Last Updated: 10.53 PM, Jul 17, 2024
On Wednesday, the Indian Olympic Association announced the final contingent representing the country at the 2024 Paris Games. A total of 117 athletes, including 7 reserves, and 140 support staff and officials will be headed to the French capital shortly. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, India had sent a 119-member team and returned with a 7-medal haul, including a gold from Neeraj Chopra’s impressive javelin throw effort. The question now is, can the country do even better this time around?
Here’s a look at India’s medal hopefuls
Neeraj Chopra
The defending javelin throw champion is aiming to win the event yet again, although a niggling injury may hamper the same. Chopra has had limited competition outings in the run-up to the Paris Olympics.
PV Sindhu
She is a two-time Olympic medalist, winning bronze in 2020 and silver in 2016. The 29-year-old will look at bowing out in style with the gold medal around her neck.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty
They are currently India’s best men’s doubles pair, and were world number 1 only weeks ago. They have beaten the best in the sport on various occasions and are expected to be in medal contention.
Lovlina Borgohain
The Tokyo medalist boxer is competing in a different category, in which she has been enjoying success.
Aditi Ashok
The Asian Games silver medalist is one of India’s top golfers and a medal hopeful at the Olympic Games.
Mirabai Chanu
The Tokyo silver medalist weightlifter will gun to go one step ahead and aim for gold, but she has been struggling with injury since 2023.
Vinesh Phogat
Despite qualifying for three Olympic Games, she’s been unable to convert this into a podium standing. This time could be different.
Nikhat Zareen
This is the two-time world champions first Olympic outing and she is expected to make it to a podium finish.
Sift Kaur Samra
The world record holder in 50 m rifle 3 positions is also an Olympic medal debutant and could stop India’s medal drought in shooting.