How Did India’s Largest Contingents – Shooting and Athletics – Fared at the Paris Olympics?

Hopes were sky-high following the announcement that 117 athletes would represent India at the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, as the event concludes, India will be bringing home a total of six medals—just one shy of their record-breaking haul of seven medals achieved at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

India secured medals in three sports: shooting, athletics, and wrestling. The standout achievement was the Indian shooters setting a new record for their highest medal count in a single Olympic Games.

Now, let’s delve into the performances of India’s Athletics and Shooting teams at the Paris 2024 Olympics:

Indian Shooters at the Paris 2024 Olympics

One of the most significant highlights for the Indian contingent was the remarkable performance of the shooters, who collectively secured four medals at the Paris Olympics.

Manu Bhaker was a standout, kickstarting India’s medal tally with a bronze in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol final. She held her own against top competitors like South Korea’s Yeji Kim and Ye Jin Oh until the final moments. Although she was eliminated in the latter stages, Manu made history by becoming the first Indian female shooter to win an Olympic medal, bringing pride to the nation.

Manu Bhaker was in contention for a second medal, this time teaming up with Sarabjot Singh in the mixed-team 10m Pistol final. Facing off against South Korea once again, the Indian pair delivered a strong performance, winning four consecutive sets from the second to the fifth shots, setting themselves up for victory. Despite a determined comeback from South Korea, Bhaker and Singh secured crucial set points, clinching the win and earning Bhaker her second bronze in Paris, while Sarabjot celebrated his first major Olympic honor.

While much of the attention was on Bhaker, Swapnil Kusale quietly advanced to the final in the 50m Rifle event. Competing in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions final, Kusale faced a formidable challenge against China’s World Record holder, Yukun Liu, and Ukraine’s Serhiy Kulish. Though Swapnil remained within striking distance of the top spot throughout the event, he was eventually eliminated. Nevertheless, he claimed the bronze, contributing India’s third medal to their tally.

Several other Indian shooters competed in the 2024 Olympics, but most struggled to make a significant impact. The notable exception was Arjun Babuta, who came close to medaling in the Men’s 10m Air Rifle final. Babuta finished just 1.4 points shy of a podium finish, scoring 208.4 points, while Croatia’s Miran Maricic secured a medal with a score of 209.8.