December 20, 2024: The year 2024 has truly been a groundbreaking one for Indian sports, with exceptional achievements across multiple disciplines, cementing India’s place on the global sporting stage. From record-breaking performances at the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games to historic triumphs in chess, India’s athletes have showcased their talent, hard work, and determination in unprecedented ways. Here’s a comprehensive review of the monumental sporting successes in India this year:
1. Paris Olympic Games 2024: A Remarkable Medal Haul
India’s contingent at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games (July 26 to August 11, 2024) made history, securing a total of 6 medals — 1 silver and 5 bronze. The nation’s performance across various disciplines was a source of immense pride.
Shooting: India’s shooters continued their dominance, with Manu Bhaker, Sarabjot Singh, and Swapnil Kusale all contributing bronze medals to the tally.
Neeraj Chopra earned a silver medal in Javelin Throw, reinforcing his reputation as one of the world’s finest athletes.
Aman Sehrawat claimed a bronze in wrestling, while the Indian Hockey Team successfully defended its bronze medal, a significant achievement in the history of Indian hockey.
These accomplishments showcased India’s growing versatility and competitiveness on the global stage, particularly in shooting, athletics, wrestling, and hockey. The medal-winning athletes were honored with an invitation to the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort on August 15, 2024, where they had the opportunity to interact with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
2. Historic Performance at the Paris Paralympic Games 2024
India made history at the Paris Paralympic Games, held from August 28 to September 8, 2024. The nation sent its largest-ever contingent, and the athletes delivered an exceptional performance, securing a total of 29 medals: 7 gold, 9 silver, and 13 bronze. This remarkable achievement saw India finish 18th in the overall medal tally, making it the best-ever performance for the country in Paralympic history.
This extraordinary success reflects India’s continued progress in adaptive sports, with athletes breaking barriers and achieving new heights. The nation’s growing commitment to supporting and celebrating its Paralympians has become a symbol of inclusivity and empowerment in the sporting community.
3. Chess: A Year of Historic Firsts
India’s chess players have made 2024 a year to remember in the world of chess. At the 45th International Chess Federation (FIDE) Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, both the Indian Men’s and Women’s Chess Teams created history by winning gold medals.
The Men’s Team, featuring Gukesh D, Praggnanandhaa R, Arjun Erigaisi, and Vidit Gujrathi, dominated the competition, winning 10 out of 11 matches and defeating Slovenia in the final. Individual performances from Gukesh D and Arjun Erigaisi earned them gold medals as well.
The Women’s Team, consisting of Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali R, Divya Dshmukh, Vantika Agrawal, and Tania Sachdev, bounced back from early setbacks to defeat Azerbaijan in the final and secure the gold.
This achievement was lauded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who felicitated the victorious teams in New Delhi, underscoring the importance of this historic achievement for India’s chess legacy.
D. Gukesh Makes History as the Youngest World Chess Champion
In an even more remarkable twist, D. Gukesh, at the age of just 18, made history by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion. He defeated China’s Ding Liren in the World Chess Championship 2024, held in Singapore from November 25 to December 12. This victory solidified Gukesh’s place among the greatest chess prodigies in history, and his triumph marked another historic milestone for India in the world of chess.
The year 2024 has been an exceptional one for Indian sports, marked by historic performances, record-breaking achievements, and a renewed commitment to developing the sporting ecosystem across the country. With athletes like Neeraj Chopra, Gukesh D, and the Paralympic stars shining brightly, India is poised to make even greater strides on the global sports stage in the years to come. The initiatives supporting young talent and empowering retired athletes also signal a new era of growth, inclusivity, and excellence in Indian sports.
As India celebrates these milestones, the country’s commitment to sporting excellence, gender equality, and athlete welfare is clear. The successes of 2024 will inspire future generations to dream big and reach for the stars in their respective sporting fields.
