India ends Paris Olympics with 6 medals, heartbreak, & glimpses of future glory

The medal tally might not have met lofty expectations, but performances across various disciblines showed progress and potential

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The 2024 Paris Olympics has concluded, leaving India with a mixed bag of emotions as the nation’s athletes showcased their prowess on the world stage. With a contingent of 117 athletes, India managed to secure six medals, falling short of the seven-medal tally achieved in Tokyo. While this performance might seem underwhelming at first glance, it was a Games filled with moments of brilliance, heartbreak, and valuable lessons for the future.

The shooting contingent emerged as the saviour for India, contributing half of the country’s medal tally. Young prodigy Manu Bhaker led the charge with an unprecedented twin-medal show, securing a bronze in the individual event and another in the mixed team 10m air pistol event partnering with Sarabjot Singh. Bhaker’s performance not only salvaged India’s pride but also placed her in a league of her own, demonstrating remarkable mental fortitude under immense pressure.

Another pleasant surprise came from Swapnil Kusale, who clinched India’s first-ever medal in skeet shooting. These achievements in shooting were crucial, especially considering the disappointments faced in other disciplines where medals were expected.