2024 marked a transformative year for Indian sports, showcasing the country’s rise as a sporting power with significant achievements across various disciplines. Historic performances in chess, cricket, athletics, shooting, Para-sports, boxing, wrestling, tennis, and table tennis put India in the spotlight. These successes reflect the nation’s ambitions of hosting the Summer Olympics in 2036.
India made remarkable progress in numerous sports. Manu Bhaker won twin bronze medals, while Neeraj Chopra claimed silver in javelin throw at the Paris Olympics. The Paralympic Games saw India’s most successful campaign ever, securing multiple medals. Gukesh Dommaraju became the youngest-ever classical World Chess Champion, and Koneru Humpy clinched her second Women’s World Rapid Chess Championship.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, sports in India evolved from a pastime to a respected career option. Modi’s active involvement, whether in speeches or direct interactions with athletes, contributed greatly to this shift. From supporting Olympians to encouraging Para-athletes, he remained the biggest cheerleader for Indian sports in 2024.
After the Paris Olympics, PM Modi praised all athletes, including those who narrowly missed podium finishes. He emphasized the importance of each athlete’s journey in building India’s sporting legacy.
PM Modi wished the Indian contingent success ahead of the Paris Paralympics and hosted the players after their triumph. Yogesh Kathuniya, a Para-Olympian, called Modi ‘Param Mitra’, recognizing his encouragement.
Modi also made personal connections with athletes, such as Neeraj Chopra, celebrating his victory with heartfelt gestures, including sharing a light-hearted moment with Chopra’s mother.
India’s bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics gained momentum with the Indian Olympic Association submitting a Letter of Intent to the IOC. While the city for the event is undecided, Ahmedabad is being mentioned as a possible host. Securing the 2036 Olympics will be a challenge but reflects India’s growing sporting aspirations.
The Modi government’s backing of programs like Khelo India and TOPS continued to enhance India’s global sports recognition. The Khelo India scheme, with a budget of USD 119 million, has helped identify and nurture talent across the nation.
The Khelo India scheme has identified and supported over 2,700 children annually, with many athletes excelling at national and international levels. In the Paris Olympics 2024, 28 Khelo India athletes were part of India’s contingent.
India’s Paralympic team achieved a historic 29 medals at the 2024 Paris Games, including 7 golds, 9 silvers, and 13 bronzes. This success was a result of consistent support and a focus on para-athlete development.
Indian athletes made strides in multiple sports, from cricket to athletics. In chess, India’s team won gold at the 45th Chess Olympiad, and Gukesh D. made history as the youngest World Chess Champion. In cricket, India’s men’s team, under Rohit Sharma, won the T20 World Cup, with Virat Kohli receiving the ICC ODI Player of the Year award.
Rohan Bopanna made history as the oldest Grand Slam winner, while Divyakriti Singh became the first Indian woman to win an Arjuna Award in equestrian sports. India’s wrestlers and boxers also secured impressive podium finishes, further solidifying the nation’s sporting legacy.
In a significant development for women’s cricket, UP Warriorz, a Women’s Premier League team, was recognized by UN Women as a ‘Generation Equality Ally’, boosting the visibility of women in sports.
With these historic achievements, 2024 marked a landmark year for Indian sports, underlining the country’s growing prominence and future aspirations on the world stage.
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