India Shines in Sports: A 2024 Overview
The year 2024 has marked a significant milestone for Indian sports. The nation has achieved remarkable success on the global stage, showcasing its talent and determination. From outstanding performances at the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games to historic victories in chess, India has proven its mettle in various disciplines. These achievements reflect a renewed focus on athlete empowerment and a commitment to fostering sporting excellence. As India continues to inspire future generations, let’s delve into the highlights of this extraordinary year.
Success at the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games
India’s participation in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games was nothing short of spectacular. The nation concluded the event with a total of six medals, including one silver and five bronze. The shooting discipline played a crucial role in this achievement. Athletes like Manu Bhaker, Sarabjot Singh, and Swapnil Kusale contributed significantly by securing three bronze medals. Neeraj Chopra made headlines by winning a silver medal in Javelin Throw, while Aman Sehrawat added a bronze in Wrestling. The Indian Hockey Team also made its mark by successfully defending its bronze medal.
The celebration of these achievements reached a peak when all medal-winning athletes were invited as special guests during the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort on August 15, 2024. This event was a moment of national pride, as the athletes interacted with the Hon’ble Prime Minister, showcasing the importance of sports in uniting the country.
The 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, held from August 28 to September 8, saw India making history with its largest-ever contingent. Indian athletes delivered an exceptional performance, winning a total of 29 medals, which included seven gold, nine silver, and thirteen bronze. This achievement secured India the 18th position in the medal tally, marking the country’s best-ever performance in Paralympic history. The dedication and hard work of these athletes have set a new benchmark for future competitions.
Historic Achievements in Chess
India’s chess prowess reached new heights in 2024, particularly during the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad held in Budapest, Hungary. Both the Indian Men’s and Women’s Chess Teams made history by winning gold medals. The men’s team, featuring exceptional players like Gukesh D, Praggnanandhaa R, Arjun Erigaisi, and Vidit Gujrathi, dominated the competition. They won ten out of eleven matches and triumphed over Slovenia in the final round. Gukesh D and Arjun Erigaisi earned individual gold medals for their outstanding performances.
The Indian women’s team also showcased their talent. Comprising Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali R, Divya Dshmukh, Vantika Agrawal, and Tania Sachdev, they overcame early setbacks to defeat Azerbaijan in the final round, securing the title. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the young chess players for their historic achievement. The victorious teams were honored in New Delhi, celebrating a remarkable chapter in Indian chess history.
In an extraordinary feat, D. Gukesh made headlines as the youngest World Chess Champion in 2024. He achieved this milestone by defeating China’s Ding Liren in the World Chess Championship held in Singapore. This victory not only highlights Gukesh’s talent but also emphasizes India’s growing influence in the world of chess.
Empowering Women in Sports
The promotion of women’s sports has gained momentum in India, particularly through initiatives like the ASMITA (Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women through Action) Women’s Leagues. These leagues have been conducted across 20 sports disciplines, engaging women athletes from even the smallest towns and villages. So far, 766 competitions have been held, with 83,763 women athletes participating. This initiative has significantly strengthened India’s commitment to empowering women in sports.
Additionally, the KIRTI (Khelo India Rising Talent Identification) program has made significant strides in identifying young sports talent across the country. Two phases of the program have been completed, utilizing modern technology and best practices. Over 1.8 lakh assessments have been conducted nationwide to identify school-going children between the ages of 9 and 18. This ensures a seamless and efficient talent identification system, paving the way for future sports stars.
Moreover, the RESET (Retired Sportsperson Empowerment Training) Programme was launched on August 29, 2024, with the goal of empowering retired athletes. This program equips retired sportspersons with the necessary knowledge and skills, making them more employable in various career sectors. So far, 30 trainees from 14 States/UTs across 18 disciplines have successfully completed the training, highlighting the importance of supporting athletes even after their competitive careers.
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