Young Faces Shine in Paris, but India’s Medal Tally Remains Stagnant
India’s Olympic medal tally at the 2024 Paris Games is expected to remain at seven, similar to the 2021 Tokyo Games. This is despite the contributions of young athletes like Aman Sehrawat (wrestling), Manu Bhaker (shooting), and Nishant Dev (boxing).
Wrestling, a major medal contributor for India, continued its streak of securing at least one medal at every Games since 2008. Sehrawat, a debutant, won bronze, while Reetika Hooda showed promise in her first multi-sport event. However, established wrestlers like Antim Panghal and Anshu Malik underperformed.
Boxing, on the other hand, faced challenges due to off-field distractions and a lack of bench strength. The squad, including Tokyo medalist Lovlina Borgohain and world champion Nikhat Zareen, failed to deliver. Experts suggest a reset button and a focus on grooming young talent.
Shooting, which had a disappointing performance in Rio and Tokyo, made a significant comeback with three bronze medals. Manu Bhaker, Sarabjot Singh, and Swapnil Kusale contributed to the tally. However, the medals being bronze indicate room for improvement, especially considering the dominance of nations like China and Korea.
The performance of these young athletes in wrestling, shooting, and boxing reflects India’s need to address issues in preparation, planning, and talent development. The next Olympic cycle should focus on correcting these areas to enhance India’s medal prospects at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
