India’s campaign at the Paris Olympics was a story of high hopes and near misses. The team’s ultimate goal was to achieve a double-digit medal tally for the first time, but this ambition remained unfulfilled. While the total medal count remained at six, one silver and five bronze, the journey was marked by a mix of triumphs and disappointments.
The campaign started promisingly. Manu Bhaker, the young shooter, secured a bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol, followed by a historic second medal, a bronze in the mixed team 10m air pistol event, making her the first Indian to achieve this feat since independence. Swapnil Kusale contributed another bronze in the men’s 50m rifle three position, adding to the early optimism. However, the next seven days saw a medal drought, leaving the double-digit goal in jeopardy.
The final days saw a mix of heartbreak and triumph. Vinesh Phogat, a strong medal contender, was disqualified for being overweight, a devastating blow to the team. The Indian hockey team, striving for back-to-back medals, faced defeat in the semi-finals against Germany. Mirabai Chanu, the Tokyo silver medalist, missed out on a medal, finishing fourth in the 49kg weightlifting event.
Amidst these setbacks, there were bright spots. The hockey team, despite missing out on gold, secured their second consecutive bronze, marking a historic feat. Neeraj Chopra, the javelin throw champion, fought hard, earning a silver after a stellar performance. Young wrestler Aman Sehrawat won a bronze, becoming the youngest Indian medalist at the Games.
While the overall medal count fell short of expectations, Abhinav Bindra, India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist, praised the team’s overall performance. He highlighted the commendable efforts of the athletes, emphasizing their competitiveness across disciplines. Many athletes came agonizingly close to medal-winning performances, with six athletes securing fourth-place finishes.
India’s performance at the Paris Olympics was not a complete success, but it wasn’t a failure either. The team showcased immense potential, with numerous near misses highlighting the talent and determination within the Indian contingent. While the medal count might not reflect the overall efforts, the spirit and competitiveness of the Indian athletes should be celebrated. As India continues to invest in sports infrastructure and development, the future holds promise for greater achievements on the world stage.
