Published By: Orna Ghosh

Olympics Buzz: What Events Are Indians Most Excited?

The countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympics has begun, and excitement is brewing across India! With a record haul of seven medals at Tokyo 2020, the Indian contingent is gearing up to continue its ascent on the Olympic stage. But which events are Indian fans most excited about?

Let's dive into the sporting disciplines where India has a strong chance of medalling and capturing the nation's imagination.

Wrestling

Wrestling is a cornerstone of Indian Olympic success. Wrestlers like Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt have become household names, inspiring a generation of young athletes. India boasts a strong contingent across weight categories in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. Young talent like Aman Sehrawat, who secured a dramatic last-minute qualification for Paris, is poised to challenge established names like Bajrang Punia and Ravi Dahiya. With their relentless work ethic and strategic prowess, Indian wrestlers are the contenders for podium finishes.

Shooting

Shooting has consistently yielded medals for India at the Olympics. From Abhinav Bindra's historic gold in 2008 to Saurabh Chaudhary's double podium finish in Tokyo, Indian shooters have demonstrated exceptional talent and focus. Paris 2024 could see seasoned veterans like Manu Bhaker and Elavenil Valarivan continue their dominance. India also has a promising crop of young shooters like Mehuli Ghosh, ready to make their mark on the Olympic stage. With a strong showing in various pistol and rifle events, Indian shooting promises to be a thrilling spectacle.

Badminton

The court has become a battleground for Indian excellence. PV Sindhu, a double Olympic medalist, continues to inspire aspiring shuttlers. The rise of young talents like Lakshya Sen and the resurgence of veteran Saina Nehwal promises a multi-pronged attack in Paris. India's dominance in mixed doubles, with Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, adds another dimension to their medal chances. Expect high-octane rallies and nail-biting finishes as Indian shuttlers aim to leave their mark in badminton.

Hockey

The men's hockey team's historic bronze medal at Tokyo 2020 reignited India's passion for the sport. This resurgence has instilled renewed confidence in the team, led by the experienced Manpreet Singh. The women's hockey team has also been steadily improving, and they will be looking to break into the medal contention in Paris. With a renewed focus on strategy and a young, energetic team, Indian hockey is poised to generate tremendous excitement.

Athletics

While not traditionally a powerhouse in athletics, India has seen a surge in promising talent. Neeraj Chopra's sensational gold medal win in the javelin throw at Tokyo 2020 was a watershed moment. Young athletes like Avinash Sable (middle-distance running) and Annu Rani (javelin throw) are pushing boundaries and raising expectations. While there's still work to be done, Indian athletes in athletics have the potential to create some historic moments in Paris.

Beyond Medals: Embracing the Spirit

The Olympics are not just about medals but a celebration of human potential and the pursuit of excellence. India will be sending athletes to compete in various other disciplines, including archery, boxing, weightlifting, and gymnastics. Every athlete's journey to the Olympics is a testament to dedication and perseverance. Their participation on the world stage is a source of inspiration for millions of Indians.

India's Olympic journey is on an upward trajectory. The focus on grassroots development programs and improved training facilities is fostering a generation of well-rounded athletes. The success stories of established stars and the emergence of young talents are igniting a passion for sports across the nation.