The much-awaited Paris 2024 Olympic games are just around the corner, the grand opening ceremony will take place in Paris on Friday, 26 July 2024.
Updated on 25 Jul 2024, 10:00 AM IST
Olympics medals; credit: iStock
Olympics gold medalist from India
Medal history in Olympics:
In the year 1900, Norman Pritchard, a lone Indian athlete, won not one but two silver medals in athletics at the Paris Olympics. He was the first Asian to stand on the Olympic podium.
India has won a total of 10 Olympic gold medals:
- Hockey: 8 gold medals (1928, 1932, 1936, 1948, 1952, 1956, 1964, 1980)
- Shooting: 1 gold medal (2008)
- Javelin: 1 gold medal (2020)
2nd Bronze for India: Manu and Sarabjot Clinch a medal in mixed shooting
India hasn’t won any gold medal from the Winter Games, see the Gold-medals Table in the Summer Games…
| Games hosted | Total Athletes | Gold-Medals | Sports |
| Amsterdam 1928 | 21 | 1 | Field hockey |
| Los Angeles 1932 | 20 | 1 | Field hockey |
| Berlin 1936 | 27 | 1 | Field hockey |
| London 1948 | 79 | 1 | Field hockey |
| Helinski 1952 | 64 | 1 | Field hockey |
| Melbourne 1956 | 59 | 1 | Field hockey |
| Tokyo 1964 | 53 | 1 | Field hockey |
| Moscow 1980 | 76 | 1 | Field hockey |
| Beijing 2008 | 56 | 1 | Shooting (Abhinav Bindra) |
| Tokyo 2020 (2021) | 124 | 1 | Javelin throw (Neeraj Chopra) |
Paris Olympics 2024: Swim in Saine, Risk of Diseases & Health advice from WHO
India’s Hockey Dominance: A Golden Era
India’s love affair with field hockey began in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics when the country won its first-ever gold medal in the sport. This victory marked the beginning of India’s dominance in Olympic hockey, a reign that continued for decades.
Between 1928 and 1980, India secured eight gold medals in hockey, making it the most successful hockey team in Olympic history. The following are the Olympic Games where India triumphed in hockey:
- Amsterdam 1928 – 1 Gold
- Los Angeles 1932 – 1 Gold
- Berlin 1936 – 1 Gold
- London 1948 – 1 Gold
- Helsinki 1952 – 1 Gold
- Melbourne 1956 – 1 Gold
- Tokyo 1964 – 1 Gold
- Moscow 1980 – 1 Gold
India’s hockey team, led by legends like Dhyan Chand, was a force to be reckoned with, dominating the sport for over five decades. However, after the 1980 Olympics, India’s performance in hockey saw a dip, and the team has not won a gold medal in hockey since.
But with a renewed focus on the sport and a strong performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where India clinched a bronze medal in men’s hockey, hopes are high for the 2024 Games.
Shooting Stars: Abhinav Bindra’s Historic Gold
India’s golden moment in shooting came at the Beijing 2008 Olympics when Abhinav Bindra won the country’s first-ever individual Olympic gold medal in the 10m air rifle event.
Bindra’s victory was a monumental achievement and opened the doors for many Indian shooters who have since excelled on the global stage.
The 2024 Paris Olympics will see a highly competitive Indian shooting team, with veterans like Manu Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary leading the charge, as well as young talents aiming for Olympic glory.
The Javelin Thrower Who Made History: Neeraj Chopra
One of the most celebrated moments in recent Indian Olympic history was the triumph of Neeraj Chopra in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where he won the gold medal in javelin throw.
Neeraj’s victory not only brought home India’s first gold medal in athletics but also elevated him to the status of a national hero.
Chopra’s achievement was especially significant as it came in a sport where India had traditionally not excelled. His throw of 87.58 meters made him the first Indian athlete to win a gold medal in track and field, an accomplishment that has inspired a new generation of athletes.
Chopra is one of India’s brightest hopes for Paris 2024, and all eyes will be on him as he attempts to defend his title.
A New Era for Indian Sports at Paris 2024
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games hold the promise of new achievements and moments of national pride for India. With a talented pool of athletes ready to give their best, there’s a renewed sense of optimism surrounding India’s chances at these games.
Whether in traditional sports like hockey and shooting or emerging disciplines like athletics and boxing, Indian athletes are determined to make the nation proud. As they prepare to take the global stage once again, we can look forward to another thrilling chapter in India’s Olympic journey.
Indian athletes are ready for PARIS 2024 Olympics game, credit: IOA
