Paris Olympics 2024: Here’s what you need to know about India and its athletes

Paris Olympics 2024: The Paris Olympics are just two days away! Several Indian athletes have already arrived in the host city, while others are finalising their preparations for the world’s most prestigious sporting event.

Here’s what you need to know about India’s campaign at the Paris Olympics 2024

When do the Paris Olympics start?

The opening ceremony will take place on July 26, starting at 11:30 PM IST. However, India will officially kick off its campaign on July 25 with archery qualifications. The closing ceremony is scheduled for August 11.

Olympics 2024 Schedule

The events at the Paris Olympics will generally begin around 11 AM IST and continue into the early morning of the following day. Most of the major events are scheduled for the evenings.

Indian Participation at Paris Olympics 2024 

A total of 117 Indian athletes will compete in Paris. The Indian squad consists of 70 male and 47 female athletes across 16 sports disciplines. The contingent also includes 140 support staff and officials.

Athletics: 29 athletes

Shooting: 21 athletes

Hockey: 19 athletes

Tokyo 2020 Highlights

India had its best-ever Olympic performance at the Tokyo 2020 Games, securing seven medals: one gold, two silvers, and four bronzes. The standout moment was Neeraj Chopra’s gold in javelin, making him only the second individual gold medallist from India.

Changes from Tokyo 2020 to Paris 2024

In the three years since Tokyo 2020, Indian sports have seen several developments, though some elements remain constant:

Returning Medalists: Several athletes who won medals in Tokyo are returning to compete in Paris, aiming to replicate or surpass their previous successes.

Redemption Seekers: Athletes who narrowly missed out on medals or faced challenges in Tokyo are coming back with renewed determination to achieve their goals.

Absent Big Names: Some prominent athletes from Tokyo 2020 will not be competing in Paris, due to various reasons including retirement or injuries.

New Talent: Fresh faces in the Indian squad are looking to make their mark and achieve glory in their Olympic debut, bringing a sense of excitement and hope for the future.

India’s Olympic Medal History and Notable Winners

Total Medals: 35

Most Successful Sport: Hockey (12 medals, primarily due to the men’s team’s dominance from 1928-1936 and 1948-1964)

First Olympic Medallist:

Norman Pritchard, India’s first-ever Olympic medallist, won two silver medals in athletics in 1900.

Top Medal Winners: Two hockey players have each earned four Olympic medals in the past, contributing significantly to India’s success in the sport.

Big International Stars at Paris Olympics 2024

Rafael Nadal: The legendary tennis player, known for his multiple French Open titles, will compete in both singles and doubles events.

Simone Biles: The iconic American gymnast, recognized for her incredible skills and numerous world titles, will be a key athlete to watch.

Ma Long: The Chinese table tennis legend, already boasting a significant medal tally, aims to add more accolades to his illustrious career.

Paris Olympics 2024: Key Details

Opening Ceremony: For the first time in the history of the Summer Games, the opening ceremony will not be held in a stadium. Instead, the parade of nations will take place as a boat parade along the Seine River. The official protocol and final show will occur at Trocadero, an area across the river.

Closing Ceremony: The closing ceremony will be held at the Stade de France.

India’s Flag Bearers: Indian table tennis legend Sharath Kamal and two-time Olympic medallist PV  Sindhu will be the flag bearers for India.

India’s Olympic Kit: Playing kit designed by JSW Inspire. Ceremonial Dress: Designed by fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani, co-owner of Tasva with Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail group. Shoes and Travel Gear: Provided by Puma.

Mascot and Motto for Paris Olympics 2024

Mascots: The Phryges, two anthropomorphic Phrygian caps, are the official mascots of the Games. The Phrygian cap, a conical cap with a bent apex, is a symbol of freedom and liberty in France.

Mascots’ Motto: “Alone we go faster, but together we go further.”

Games Motto: “Games wide open” (French: Ouvrons grand les Jeux).