India Ends Paris Olympics with 6 Medals, Vinesh Verdict Pending

India’s Paris Olympics Campaign: 6 Medals and a Pending Verdict

India concluded its Paris 2024 Olympics campaign with a total of six medals, including one silver and five bronze. The contingent’s performance was a mix of notable achievements and missed opportunities. The possibility of an additional medal hinges on the outcome of Vinesh Phogat’s case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

India’s Medal Tally and Highlights

Despite high expectations, Indian athletes fell short of surpassing their Tokyo 2020 medal count. The contingent’s final tally included:

Manu Bhaker: Bronze in Women’s 10m Air Pistol, and Bronze in Mixed Team 10m Air Pistol with Sarabjot Singh.
Sarabjot Singh: Bronze in Mixed Team 10m Air Pistol.
Swapnil Kusale: Bronze in Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions.
Indian Hockey Team: Bronze in Men’s Hockey.
Neeraj Chopra: Silver in Men’s Javelin Throw.

Manu Bhaker: A Historic Performance

Manu Bhaker made history by becoming only the second female Indian athlete to secure two medals in a single Olympics. Her first bronze came in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol, followed by a bronze in the Mixed Team 10m Air Pistol event with Sarabjot Singh. Bhaker’s performance was notable, though she narrowly missed a third medal, finishing fourth in the Women’s 25m Pistol event.

Sarabjot Singh’s Achievement

Sarabjot Singh, partnering with Manu Bhaker, secured a bronze medal in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event. Despite their impressive performance, Singh expressed his determination to aim for gold in the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

Swapnil Kusale Makes History

Swapnil Kusale made his mark by winning the first-ever medal for India in the Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions event. His exceptional performance earned him bronze with a score of 451.4 points, adding a new milestone to Indian shooting.

Indian Hockey Team’s Triumph

The Indian Hockey Team clinched bronze by defeating Spain 2-1. This victory was particularly significant as it marked India’s first back-to-back Olympic medals in hockey since 1972. Harmanpreet Singh’s crucial goals ensured a memorable farewell for goalkeeper PR Sreejesh.

Neeraj Chopra’s Continued Success

Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion in Javelin Throw, won silver with a throw of 89.45 meters. His achievement made him the first Indian track and field athlete to win two Olympic medals, solidifying his status as one of India’s greatest athletes.

Summary of Medal Winners:

Manu Bhaker: Bronze in Women’s 10m Air Pistol, Bronze in Mixed Team 10m Air Pistol
Sarabjot Singh: Bronze in Mixed Team 10m Air Pistol
Swapnil Kusale: Bronze in Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions
Indian Hockey Team: Bronze in Men’s Hockey
Neeraj Chopra: Silver in Men’s Javelin Throw

Looking Ahead

The Indian contingent’s performance at Paris 2024 was a blend of commendable achievements and areas for improvement. With several athletes finishing just shy of the podium, the Tokyo 2020 record of seven medals remained out of reach. As the nation waits for the verdict on Vinesh Phogat’s case, hopes are high that the additional medal could potentially enhance India’s final standing.

The focus now shifts to the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, where Indian athletes will aim to build on their experiences from Paris. The resolve and resilience demonstrated by the athletes in Paris are expected to drive their preparations for future challenges.