The nation anticipates an improved performance compared to the previous edition of the Games.India’s haul of seven medals from Tokyo has raised hopes for a double-digit tally this time around.Apart from the wrestlers, who have endured a tumultuous lead-up to the event, athletes across all disciplines have expressed satisfaction with their preparations. The meticulous planning, which included overseas training stints and access to top-notch facilities, has been instrumental in honing their skills.
However, the lingering question remains: will the dedication, well-crafted strategies, and unwavering support from the nation translate into a shower of medals for India? Only time will tell as the world’s greatest sporting spectacle unfolds in the French capital.
WILL NUMBER SEVEN BE BREACHED?
Matching the impressive tally of seven medals from the Tokyo Olympics will be an arduous challenge for India at the upcoming Games, considering that apart from the current Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, few athletes are considered top contenders in their respective events.
The majority of the 117-member Indian contingent comes from three sports: athletics (29), shooting (21), and hockey (19). Among these 69 athletes, 40 are making their Olympic debut.
Debutants can also be found in other sports, such as tennis player N Sriram Balaji and wrestler Reetika Hooda. Although they are not entirely inexperienced, India’s campaign will largely be driven by athletes who are competing on such a grand stage for the first time.
Simultaneously, there are seasoned athletes who are expected to elevate their performance accordingly.
For PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist in badminton; tennis icon Rohan Bopanna; legendary table tennis player Sharath Kamal and hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, this will undoubtedly be their final Olympic appearance.
The hockey team’s form leading up to the Games has been inconsistent, while the boxers and wrestlers have had limited real competition experience. Similarly, the shooters have delivered mixed results in the lead-up to the Olympics.
The recent performances of Indian track and field athletes, particularly Avinash Sable, have been impressive. However, when compared to their international counterparts, their achievements may not be sufficient to place them as strong contenders for medals.
Sable, a steeplechaser, has consistently improved his own national record, with his best time currently standing at 8:09.94. Despite his remarkable progress, there are seven international athletes who have recorded faster times leading up to the Olympic Games.
Considering the fierce competition, reaching the finals alone would be regarded as a significant accomplishment.
THE CHIEF MEDAL CONTENDERS
India’s aspirations for Olympic glory rest heavily on the shoulders of Neeraj, the javelin sensation, despite lingering concerns about his adductor niggle. Alongside him, the dynamic badminton pair of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, who have been in scintillating form, are also expected to make a significant impact.
Although the elusive 90m mark has remained beyond Neeraj’s grasp from Tokyo to Paris, the ace javelin thrower has consistently delivered performances that have been just enough to secure global titles. When it matters most, on the grandest stages of competition, Neeraj has outshone his highly regarded rivals.
If he can maintain his fitness, the Panipat-born athlete has a genuine opportunity to etch his name in India’s sporting annals by becoming only the third athlete to clinch back-to-back Olympic medals.
Only Sindhu (2016 Rio and 2012 Tokyo) and wrestler Sushil Kumar (2008 Beijing, 2012 London) have managed to win two consecutive medals.
Satwik and Chirag have blossomed into one of India’s most formidable men’s doubles teams in badminton, and they are widely regarded as strong contenders for a podium finish. Their exceptional skills and unwavering determination have positioned them as serious medal hopefuls.
As for Sindhu, despite not being in peak form and facing a challenging draw, her wealth of experience could prove invaluable if she can navigate through the initial rounds. Her past successes and mental fortitude could propel her into the medal rounds once again.
STRONG HOPES
The Indian men’s hockey team’s recent performance has been erratic. During their tour of Australia, they suffered defeats in all five matches, following an inconsistent showing in the Pro League. This contrasts sharply with their triumphant campaign at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, where they secured the championship title.
The team continues to grapple with issues related to converting penalty corners and sustaining their intensity throughout the duration of a match.
To compound their challenges, India finds itself in a formidable group alongside powerhouses such as Australia and Belgium, besides Argentina, New Zealand and Ireland. In order to advance to the top four from this pool, the team cannot afford any missteps or lapses in performance.
The Indian shooting team, consisting of 21 members, has quietly prepared for the upcoming event, marking their largest contingent ever. This contrasts with the previous Games in London and Tokyo, where rising stars like Manu Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary had generated significant medal expectations due to their outstanding performances leading up to the competitions. However, they failed to live up to the hype.
Similarly, Divyansh Panwar and Elavenil Valarivan were once regarded as future superstars, but they too have not met expectations. Despite the lack of attention on the shooters this time around, Sift Kaur Samra (50m three position), Sandeep Singh (10m air rifle), and Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar (men’s 50m rifle) possess the potential to break the 12-year medal drought for India in shooting.
The last Indian shooter to secure a medal was Gagan Narang, who clinched the bronze in the 10m air rifle event at the 2012 London Games. Narang is serving as India’s Chef de Mission for the Paris Games.
The last four Olympic Games have seen India secure a medal in wrestling. Expectations were high for the Paris Games, with hopes of winning four to five medals, but a protest against the Wrestling Federation of India brought the sport to a halt.
National camps and competitions were suspended for an extended period. The qualified wrestlers have been training independently at various centers within India and overseas.
While the fitness levels of many wrestlers remain uncertain, Anshu Malik, Antim Panghal and Aman Sehrawat are regarded as India’s top prospects heading into the Games. Reetika Hooda, the reigning U-23 world champion, could emerge as a surprise contender, while Vinesh Phogat cannot be overlooked.
DON’T RULE THEM OUT
The table tennis players and archers have secured their spots in the upcoming Games based on their rankings. While the TT players’ qualification is a significant accomplishment, the archers’ performance leaves room for doubt.
In the past, the archers have made grand promises but failed to live up to expectations. The recent incident involving their coach being refused accreditation for the Games has cast a shadow over their campaign from the very beginning.
Mirabai Chanu, the weightlifter who won silver at the Tokyo Games, has been grappling with injuries and inconsistent form recently, which may have affected her mental preparedness. There are doubts about whether she can replicate her previous success.
The experienced boxer Nikhat Zareen and her teammate Nishant Dev will be closely monitored, as their recent results have been promising.
To date, India has secured 35 medals at the Olympics, with shooter Abhinav Bindra (2008) and Neeraj Chopra (2021) being the sole individual gold medalists.
(With PTI inputs)