December 31, 2024: The year 2024 has been a landmark one for Indian sports, with the government’s initiatives like Khelo India and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) playing key roles in fostering talent and supporting athletes at all levels. These programs have not only contributed to the growth of grassroots sports but also provided elite athletes with the resources they need to excel on the world stage.
The Khelo India scheme, which aims to identify and nurture young talent, continues to make significant strides, with more than 2,700 children receiving scholarships annually. In 2024, the initiative proved pivotal in India’s success at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, where 124 athletes from Khelo India brought home 42 medals, contributing substantially to the country’s overall tally of 106. The Khelo India Women’s League, rebranded as the Asmita Women’s League, also enjoyed success, with 83,615 women participating in 20 sports across 35 States and UTs since its inception.
Indian athletes have made history across multiple sports in 2024:
Rohit Sharma-led India defeated South Africa by 7 runs in a nail-biting final to clinch the T20 World Cup 2024 title and bring an end to the country’s 11-year-long ICC title drought. India rode on a terrific knock of 76 runs off 59 balls from Virat Kohli and brilliant bowling spells from Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya to get the better of South Africa in the summit clash.
Neeraj Chopra continued his success in javelin throw, cementing his place as India’s most successful Olympian.
Manu Bhaker made history by becoming the first Indian to win two medals in a single Olympic edition, while Swapnil Kusale contributed to India’s best-ever shooting medal haul.
Aman Sherawat became India’s youngest Olympic medalist, securing bronze in wrestling.
- India’s Paralympians had a historic outing at the Paris Paralympics, securing 29 medals, including 9 golds, and solidifying India’s place as a rising force in para-sports.
In the world of chess, India made an indelible mark in 2024, with Gukesh D. becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion. This was complemented by Vaishali Ramesh Babu, who was awarded the Grandmaster title by FIDE, making her the third Indian woman to achieve this feat. India’s chess team also made history at the 45th Chess Olympiad, securing gold medals in both the Open and Women’s sections for the first time.
In equestrian sports, Divyakriti Singh made history as the first Indian woman to win the prestigious Arjuna Award for her accomplishments in the sport. Meanwhile, in table tennis, the women’s doubles pair of Ayhika Mukherjee and Sutirtha Mukherjee created history by securing India’s first-ever medal in the category at the Asian Table Tennis Championships.
Wrestling also saw India performing strongly, with Indian wrestlers bagging 4 silver and 5 bronze medals at the Asian Wrestling Championships, while athletics saw record-breaking performances. Gulveer Singh set a national record in the men’s 10,000m event at the Hachioji Long Distance meet in Japan, while Man Singh claimed gold at the Asian Marathon Championships with a personal best time of 2:14:19.
On the international front, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) made a significant move toward realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in India by submitting a Letter of Intent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in November 2024. This marks India’s formal bid to host the Games in 2036, further highlighting the government’s commitment to fostering a sports culture in the country.
Prime Minister Modi has played a key role in these achievements, regularly engaging with athletes and supporting them through his personal interactions and public speeches. His appreciation of Indian athletes, regardless of whether they win or lose, has helped inspire the nation and instilled a sense of pride. After the Paris Paralympics, he invited the athletes to his residence, where he lauded their courage and perseverance, reinforcing his role as a pillar of support for the sporting community.
Through these developments, 2024 has showcased India’s growing sporting prowess, with an emphasis on both grassroots development and elite athlete support. With the government’s continued focus on sports excellence, 2025 and beyond look set to build on these achievements, with India aiming for even greater success on the global stage.
