Remarkable Milestones in Sports Highlight India's Emergence as a Sporting Powerhouse in 2024

New Delhi, Dec 31 (NationPress) With groundbreaking accomplishments in chess, cricket, athletics, shooting, Para-sports, boxing, wrestling, tennis, and table tennis, 2024 prominently highlighted India's ascent as a sporting nation with aspirations to host the Summer Olympics in 2036.

From Manu Bhaker's historic twin bronze medals and Neeraj Chopra's silver in javelin throw showcasing India's robust performance at the Paris Olympics, to the country's most successful Paralympic campaign in the French capital, followed by double gold medals in the Chess Olympiad and Gukesh Dommaraju becoming the youngest-ever classical World Chess Champion, alongside Koneru Humpy concluding the year with her second title in the Women's World Rapid Chess Championship—2024 has been a year of exceptional performances and groundbreaking milestones.

With the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi showing immense support, sports have transitioned from a casual pastime to a respectable career option, motivating countless young Indians to chase their athletic aspirations.

Amid this backdrop, PM Modi has remained the most prominent supporter of Indian sports in 2024.

PM Modi has been actively engaging with athletes at various events, including the Olympics and national competitions. His speeches frequently honor the accomplishments of Indian athletes on global platforms, instilling a sense of pride among the populace.

A) Following the Paris Olympics, he commended both medalists and those who narrowly missed podium finishes, emphasizing that every athlete's journey contributes to India's sporting legacy.

B) Prior to the 2024 Paralympics, PM Modi publicly wished the Indian contingent success, stating that their bravery and perseverance inspire the entire nation. After the event, all players were welcomed at PM Modi's residence where he praised their efforts at the Games. Para-Olympian Yogesh Kathuniya affectionately referred to PM Modi as ‘Param Mitra’, highlighting the encouragement each athlete receives from him.

C) During a meeting with Neeraj Chopra, the gold medal-winning javelin thrower, PM Modi made a heartfelt gesture by connecting with his mother. He shared a light-hearted moment about eagerly waiting for her to make her famous churma following Chopra's victory at the Tokyo Olympics. This personal interaction not only showcased Modi's warmth but also underscored the significance of family support in an athlete's journey.

PM Modi felt emotional when he received a special gift from chess star Vantika Agrawal. She presented him with a cherished photo from the 'Swami Vivekananda Mahila Chess Mahotsav' in 2012, where PM Modi, then Chief Minister of Gujarat, was awarded to her.

The Prime Minister's vision to see India hosting the Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games in 2036 took a significant step forward with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) submitting a formal Letter of Intent to the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Future Host Commission, marking India's official bid for this prestigious global event.

While the exact city for hosting the 2036 Olympics has yet to be confirmed, Ahemdabad is being discussed as a potential front-runner in unofficial circles, posing a challenge for the nation in securing the hosting rights.

The Modi government's continued support for initiatives such as Khelo India and TOPS has played a crucial role in India's rising international recognition. The Khelo India scheme aims to foster a mass movement for promoting sports excellence throughout the country. With an annual budget of USD 119 million, the scheme focuses on grassroots talent identification and development while providing scholarships to over 2,700 children annually.

Under the Khelo India Scheme, a total of 2,781 athletes (KIAs) have been identified and are receiving comprehensive support, including specialized coaching, equipment, medical care, and a monthly allowance. For the Paris 2024 Olympics, 28 KIAs were part of the Indian contingent of 117 athletes, underscoring the program's ongoing success and the critical role of KIAs in enhancing India’s performance in national and international sports events.

Similarly, India's Paralympic team, which included 18 Khelo India athletes, achieved a remarkable milestone, securing 29 medals, the highest ever at the Paris Paralympics 2024.

The unwavering commitment of the Indian government to sporting excellence was evident through a historic funding allocation of over Rs 470 crore for the Paris 2024 Olympics. The Modi government showed unmatched support in creating the best environment for athletes to thrive, providing 40 portable air conditioners to the athletes at the Olympic Games Village.

Although the Indian contingent fell short of achieving double-digit medal wins, there were still significant successes.

Manu Bhaker made history as the first Indian to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics. Swapnil Kusale added a third medal in shooting, making it India's largest haul in a single edition of the Olympics. Neeraj Chopra became the most successful individual Olympian by claiming a silver medal in javelin throw. Aman Sherawat earned the title of India's youngest Olympic medallist with his bronze in wrestling.

India’s most successful Paralympic campaign to date unfolded at the 2024 Paris Games, where Indian athletes achieved an extraordinary feat, securing a record-breaking 29 medals—7 gold, 9 silver, and 13 bronze. This accomplishment marks a new pinnacle in India's Paralympic history, highlighting the nation’s growing prominence on the global stage.

Avani Lekhara took gold in the Women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1, while Nitesh Kumar excelled in badminton, winning gold in Men's Singles SL3. Sumit Antil and Dharambir contributed with golds in Men's Javelin Throw F64 and Men's Club Throw F51, respectively. In archery, Harvinder Singh clinched gold in Men's Individual Recurve Open, while Navdeep Singh triumphed in Men's Javelin Throw F41. Numerous other athletes bolstered the nation’s impressive medal tally, making it a truly collective achievement for Indian para-sports.

In chess, Gukesh D. became the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, bringing immense pride to India by achieving this remarkable feat at just 18. Throughout 2024, the legacy of chess continued with prodigious talent like Vaishali Ramesh Babu, who was awarded the title of Grandmaster by FIDE, becoming the third Indian female Grandmaster alongside Koneru Humpy and Harika Dronavalli.

India’s chess team made history at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Hungary, clinching gold in both the Open and Women’s sections. The women’s team secured their first-ever gold medal at this prestigious event. It concluded with Koneru Humpy regaining the Women’s World Rapid Chess Championship after a five-year gap, finishing with 8.5 points after defeating Indonesia’s Irene Sukandar in the final round in New York. This victory helped Humpy surpass the other six joint leaders, including compatriot D. Harika, who finished in fifth place.

The cricket team also made headlines, as under Rohit Sharma's leadership, the men's team captured the T20 World Cup 2024 with a stunning victory over South Africa in the final, marking India’s second title in the T20 format after their inaugural win in 2008.

In cricket, Virat Kohli, one of India’s top cricketers, was honored with the ICC ODI Player of the Year 2023. Indian batter Suryakumar Yadav won the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year 2023 award.

Major achievements in other sports have also brought these lesser-known disciplines into the spotlight.

Divyakriti Singh, a 23-year-old equestrian dynamo, received a prestigious Arjuna Award, marking her as the first Indian woman to achieve this honor in the field of equestrian.

At the start of the year, Rohan Bopanna became the oldest player to win a Grand Slam title when he teamed up with Australia's Matthew Ebden to take home the men's doubles title at the Australian Open. In singles, Sumit Nagal had modest success, earning main draw entries in all four Grand Slams.

India's women's doubles pair of Ayhika Mukherjee and Sutirtha Mukherjee made history by winning a historic bronze medal, the country's first-ever medal in this category, at the Asian Table Tennis Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan.

India’s wrestlers showcased their prowess at the Asian Wrestling Championships in Kyrgyzstan, where they secured four silver and five bronze medals, proving their mettle on the continental stage. India finished third at the Asian U20 Athletics Championships 2024 held in Dubai, clinching seven gold, 11 silver, and 11 bronze medals.

India’s Gulveer Singh set a national record in the men’s 10,000m event at the Hachioji Long Distance 2024 athletics meet in Japan. Man Singh claimed the gold medal at the Asian Marathon Championships 2024 with a personal best time of two hours, 14 minutes, and 19 seconds (2:14:19) in Hong Kong, China.

In boxing, India’s Mandeep Jangra won the U.S.-based National Boxing Association's intercontinental super featherweight title by defeating American Gerardo Esquivel at Toppenish City, Washington. India edged out Chinese Taipei and China to secure the silver medal at the Maruhaba Cup, a team event in the Asian Surfing Championships 2024 held at the beautiful Thulusdhoo island in the Maldives. At the Junior World Wushu Championship, the Indian team amassed a rich haul of seven medals, including two golds in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei.

Additionally, in a significant boost to women’s cricket in India, UP Warriorz, a Women’s Premier League (WPL) team owned by Capri Sports, has been recognized by UN Women as a 'Generation Equality Ally'.

With such historic achievements throughout 2024, this remarkable year for Indian sports underscores the relentless dedication and talent of the nation’s athletes and the country's emergence as an upcoming sporting power.