The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France are set to be a memorable event, with India looking to build upon its successful performance in Tokyo. While experienced athletes like Neeraj Chopra will be aiming for another gold medal, a new wave of talent is ready to make its mark on the international stage. Here are five Indian debutants who will be vying for a medal in Paris:
Sift Kaur Samra
As the reigning Asian Games gold medalist in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions shooting event, Sift Kaur Samra will be leading India’s charge in the shooting category. The 22-year-old broke the world record with a score of 469.6 at the Asian Games, demonstrating her exceptional skill and potential. Her confidence will be further boosted by a bronze medal win at the ISSF World Cup 2024 in Germany.
Nikhat Zareen
Nikhat Zareen has her sights set on becoming the first Indian boxer to win an Olympic gold medal. She has a string of impressive achievements under her belt, including gold medals at the Women’s World Boxing Championships in Turkey (2022) and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham (2022). Nikhat shifted to the 50kg weight class in 2023 and clinched another gold at the World Championships in New Delhi, becoming only the second Indian boxer to win multiple world titles. She secured her spot in the Paris Olympics after a strong performance at the Asian Games, where she won bronze.
Kishore Kumar Jena
Kishore Kumar Jena will be looking to make his presence felt in the javelin throw alongside the reigning Olympic champion, Neeraj Chopra. Jena qualified for Paris after surpassing the 85.50m mark at the Asian Games, where he gave Chopra a tough fight, leading by two meters at the halfway point. Although Chopra ultimately won gold, Jena’s performance showcased his considerable potential. He has faced some challenges since the Asian Games, but will be striving to regain his form for Paris.
Antim Panghal
Two-time junior world wrestling champion Antim Panghal will be one of India’s seeded wrestlers in Paris. The 19-year-old made history by becoming the sixth Indian woman to win a bronze medal at the Wrestling World Championships, defeating a two-time European champion. She followed this up with another bronze at the Asian Games. Seeded fourth in the Games, Antim is positioned in a challenging group, but she will be ready to compete against the world’s best.
Sarabjot Singh
Sarabjot Singh secured India’s first Olympic quota in the pistol category after winning bronze in the men’s air pistol at the 15th Asian Shooting Championship. He was also part of the Indian team that won gold and silver in the Asian Games. His individual achievements include gold medals at the ISSF World Cups in Bhopal and Munich, solidifying his position as a rising star in the shooting world.
These five debutants represent a new wave of talent that will be eager to make their mark on the world stage in Paris. India will be hoping for strong performances from these athletes, who have the potential to bring home medals and inspire future generations of Indian Olympians.
