Neeraj Chopra leads India's Paris Olympics' campaign starting today

Paris: Neeraj Chopra, the reigning world and Asian Games champion, will headline India’s efforts at the Paris 2024 Olympics as he seeks to defend his men’s javelin throw gold medal.

Neeraj, who made history as the first Indian to win an Olympic gold in athletics at Tokyo 2020, will compete on August 6 and 8.

At the other end of the age spectrum, 44-year-old tennis star Rohan Bopanna will be the oldest Indian athlete at the Games, while 14-year-old swimmer Dhinidhi Desinghu will be the youngest competitor. Their diverse presence highlights the breadth of talent in India’s 112-member contingent.

India’s campaign kicks off on July 25 with the archery ranking rounds, featuring a six-member team including Deepika Kumari and Tarundeep Rai. The Paris 2024 Olympics officially begin on July 26, but initial rounds in sports like football, rugby sevens, handball, and archery will start beforehand. The Games will be available for live streaming and broadcast in India at no cost.

Following a record-breaking performance at Tokyo 2020, where India won seven medals (one gold, two silvers, and four bronze), the country enters Paris 2024 with high expectations. The Indian men’s hockey team, which ended a 41-year medal drought with a bronze in Tokyo, will aim to build on their success and provide a fitting farewell to legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who will retire after the Games.

Prominent athletes like weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, badminton star PV Sindhu, and boxer Lovlina Borgohain will also be key contenders. Young talents including hurdler Jyothi Yarraji, badminton players Lakshya Sen, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, and Chirag Shetty, world champion boxer Nikhat Zareen, tennis player Sumit Nagal, and wrestler Antim Panghal will also seek to make their mark.

Shooter Manu Bhaker, leading a 21-member Indian shooting team, aims to overcome the disappointment of Tokyo 2020. In athletics, India’s largest contingent with 29 athletes includes Avinash Sable, Annu Rani, Kishore Jena, and Tajinderpal Singh Toor.

PV Sindhu, with silver from Rio 2016 and bronze from Tokyo 2020, will strive to become the first Indian to win three individual Olympic medals. Equestrian Anush Agarwalla will also make history as the first Indian to compete in dressage at the Olympics.