North News
Chandigarh, August 12
The two-week thrilling competition event that was the Paris Olympics finally came to an end on August 11, 2024.
“With the biggest contingent ever, 117 athletes, India went to Paris with the expectation of touching the double-digit medal tally for the first time,” reported the Hindustan Times.
It wasn’t easy, but Neeraj Chopra, Manu Bhaker, Aman Sehrawat, Swapnil Kusale, Sarabjot Singh, and the Indian Hockey team gave the country a reason to celebrate by winning six medals, of which one was silver and five were bronze. This, however, placed India 71st on the Paris Olympics medal tally, which is 23 ranks below India’s performance in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
“India started well, with shooter Manu Bhaker winning a bronze in women’s 10m air pistol on Day 2 of the competition on July 28. Two days later, Bhaker created history by becoming first Indian to win multiple medals at an Olympic edition, post-independence, when she partnered with Sarabjot Singh for a bronze in mixed team 10m air pistol event on July 30,” reported the Times of India. Manu Bhaker made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win two medals in a single Olympic event.
“India secured their third medal from shooting when shooter Swapnil Kusale became the first Indian to win the bronze medal in the men’s 50m rifle three-position event,” reported Business Standard.
“Before the big javelin final, the Indian hockey team beat Spain 2-1 to win successive bronze medals at the Games,” reported the Hindustan Times. What made this win even more special was that it was after 52 years that India had won back-to-back bronze medals at the Games.
“The golden boy of India, Neeraj Chopra, although unable to defend his 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medal, still managed to secure a podium finish for himself and medal number five for India by winning the silver medal in the men’s javelin throw event,” reported the Business Standard. Neeraj Chopra secured the silver with his best throw of 89.45 m.
India’s win for the sixth and final medal was quite historic, led by 21-year-old Aman Sehrawat. “Aman Sehrawat clinched the bronze medal in the men’s 57kg freestyle wrestling at the Paris Olympics, making history as the youngest Indian to achieve an Olympic medal. To secure this feat, the 21-year-old faced the challenge of shedding 4.5kg the night before the match.” reported the Outlook.
Other than these remarkable performances, there were a lot of chances that India slightly missed and ended up in the 4th position. “India won six medals, but it could have added six more if,” it added.
“India finished 71st at the Paris Olympics with a silver and five bronze; however, hopes remain alive for another silver medal to be added to India’s tally, with CAS’ decision on Vinesh Phogat’s appeal awaited. Vinesh was disqualified ahead of the gold medal bout in women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling due to being found overweight by a mere 100 grams,” reported the Hindustan Times.
