In this series, let us take a look at the potential Indian medal winners at the Paris 2024 Olympics
As we proceed with our series of articles on the athletes who will bring glory to India, it is time to focus on another set of talented stars. Whether it is shooting, wrestling, or the formidable Indian men’s hockey team, a lot of athletes have performed very well on the international platform and have the potential to fetch medals. This series seeks to highlight these sportspersons, who are likely to illuminate the city of love — Paris.
Indian Men’s Hockey Team
The Indian men’s hockey team, with coach Craig Fulton, has been on a pretty inspiring run. They secured the Olympic bronze medal in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, ending a 41-year wait. The team, with players like Harmanpreet Singh, PR Sreejesh, and Manpreet Singh, is a blend of young blood and experience that has the potential to bring laurels for the country. The current performance of the team in international competitions has indicated that the team is prepared and is eager for a podium finish.
Nikhat Zareen – Boxing- Women’s 50 kg category
Nikhat Zareen is another talented boxer in the Indian team who has made a mark in international boxing. She won a gold medal in the 2011 AIBA Women’s Youth & Junior World Boxing Championships conducted in Antalya and a gold medal in the 2022 Women’s World Boxing Championships. Nikhat is known for her counter-punching and never-say-die attitude in the ring. She is very consistent and rarely gets nervous, which puts her in a perfect position to win a medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Nikhat is ready to enrich her collection of awards with an Olympic medal.
Nikhat Zareen. Pic Credit Instagram
Preeti Pawar – Boxing (Women’s 54 kg)
Preeti Pawar has also been splendid in the boxing arena, primarily due to her quick foot movement and planning. There are many national and international medals to her credit, which proves that she can be a champion. In 2020 and 2021, she grabbed silver and gold medals at the Khelo India Youth Games, and she also clinched a silver medal at the Youth Asian Championships in 2021. Preeti has been hailed and recognized by fellow boxers as a fast, flexible, and well-planned boxer. She has one of the best chances of winning a medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics boxing event.
Nisha Dahiya, Wrestling – Women’s 68 kg.
Nisha Dahiya has been bagging medals at national and international championships. She is a force to reckon with in the women’s 68kg category due to her strong techniques and tactical ability. She is a 2021 U-23 World Championships bronze medalist and secured a silver at the Asian Championships the previous year. Nisha has the experience and the results to show that she deserves a medal, which thus reinforces her status as one of the best wrestlers.
Dhiraj Bommadevara – Archery (Men’s Individual; Men’s Team)
Dhiraj Bommadevara has proven his mettle in both individual and team archery championships. With his his accuracy and concentration he has done well in World Championships, the Olympics, and other similar events. Dhiraj ios able to keep his cool during pressure situations, which is why he has been receiving recognition and has become one of the leading players on the Indian archery team. With his commitment to training and his natural skills, Dhiraj has the potential to win a medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics and make Indian archery fans proud.
Dhiraj Bommadevara, Pic Credit Sportstar
Ramita Jindal – Shooting (Women’s 10m Air Rifle, 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team)
Ramita Jindal, a new sensation in shooting, has already proved her mettle in 10m Air Rifle as well as in the Mixed Team event. She has been very precise and never gets easily ruffled; this has been her strength. Ramita has displayed tremendous technical skills and a strong discipline in the sport and has won several medals in national and international championships. Ramita’s experience and commitment are sure to get her to a medal position, thus inspiring many young shooters in the country.
Anish Bhanwala – Shooting (Men’s 25m rapid fire pistol)
Anish Bhanwala, a young and energetic shooter, has come to the frontline in the 25m rapid-fire pistol event. Some of the international accolades that he has clinched are evidence of his speed and accuracy. Anish has been able to maintain his concentration and deliver in pressure situations, which has been a significant factor. His strict training schedule and the desire to win gives him every chance to stand on the podium at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Esha Singh – Shooting (Women’s 25m Pistol)
Esha Singh has proved to be a great shooter in 25m pistol shooting and has won many medals in various international championships. Hard work and commitment are two qualities that Esha has not lacked, and this has made her a formidable contender. Esha has a great history of performance and does not quickly get flustered, which makes her a great contender for a medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her success story is a motivation for all the would-be shooters in India to look up to.
Esha Singh. Pic Credit Instagram
Prithviraj Tondaiman: Shooting, Men’s Trap.
Prithviraj Tondaiman has been very consistent and precise in the men’s trap shooting event. He has proved himself and his concentration in different competitions like the World Cup. Prithviraj’s commitment to intense training and his competitiveness make him a good bet for a medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This has led to him being recognized and admired by fellow shooters for his performance, especially during a shoot-out. All that Prithviraj has achieved and the journey that he has had are a clear indication of the effort that he has put into the sport.
Tulika Maan – Judo (Women’s +78kg).
Tulika Maan is a well-known judoka and has represented her country at national and international level championships. She has also won gold in the Commonwealth and Asian Games. These attributes have made her a force to reckon with in the women’s +78kg category in terms of power, skill, and tactics. Tulika has experience and a good performance record, especially under pressure, which makes her a strong contender for a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She has a great passion for judo and is always in top form; she is one of the best athletes in India, and many young judokas look up to her.
As we stand and cheer for the beautiful performances of the Indian athletes, it is very apparent that Paris 2024 is going to be a bright chance. Indian athletes have a blend of experienced players and new entrants, which bodes well for the medal tally of the country in different games. Tune in for the next part of the series, in which we will talk about more Indian athletes and their opportunities to become another pride of the country at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Tulika Mann. Pic Credit Sportstar/The Hindu