The India contingent kicked off its campaign at the Paris Olympics 2024 with a mixed bag of results on the opening day of the Games. While some athletes put up impressive performances, others faced disappointment, but the overall spirit and determination of the team remained high as they looked to better their previous best tally of seven medals from the Tokyo Olympics.
Shooting
The shooting team was in action from the very start, with the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event being the first to take place. The Indian pair of Ramita Jindal and Arjun Babuta finished sixth with a score of 628.7, missing out on the medal rounds by a whisker. The other Indian pair Elavenil Valarivan and Sandeep Singh finished 12th with 626.3 points.
In the 10m Air Pistol Men’s Qualification, Sarabjot Singh scored 577 points to finish ninth, narrowly missing out on a spit in the final. His teammate Arjun Singh Cheema scored 574 points to finish 18th.
However, there was some good news for India in the 10m Air Pistol Women’s Qualification, as Manu Bhaker scored 580 points to finish third and qualify for the final. Rhythm Sangwan, the other Indian in the event, scored 573 points to finish 15th.
Badminton
In badminton, Lakshya Sen got off to a winning start in the Men’s Singles Group Stage, defeating Guatemala’s Kevin Cordon 21-8, 22-20. The Indian duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty also began their Men’s Doubles Campaign at the Paris Olympics.
Rowing
India’s lone participant in the Men’s Single Sculls Heats, Panwar Balraj, finished fourth in his heat with a time of 7:07.11, which was enough to qualify him for the repechage round.
Hockey
The Indian men’s hockey team played their first match of the tournament against New Zealand in Pool B. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Other Events
Indian athletes were also in action in tennis, table tennis, boxing, and rowing on Day 1 of the Paris Olympics 2024.
Indian Results on Day 1
Shooting
- 10m Air Rifles Mixed Team Qualification: India 2 (Ramita Jindal/Arjun Babuta) – 628.7 points (Sixth)
- 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team Qualification: India 1 (Elevenil Valarivan/Sandeep Singh) – 626.3 points (12th)
- 10m Air Pistol Men’s Qualification: Sarabjot Singh – 577 points (Ninth)
- 10m Air Pistol Men’s Qualification: Arjun Singh Cheema – 574 points (18th)
- 10m Air Pistol Women’s Qualification: Manu Bhaker – 580 points (Third, qualified for final)
- 10m Air Pistol Women’s Qualification: Rhythm Sangwan – 573 points (15th)
Badminton
- Men’s Singles Group Stage: Lakshya Sen beat Kevin Cordon (21-8, 22-2o)
Rowing
- Men’s Single Sculls Heats: Panwar Balraj – 7:07.11 (qualified for repechage)
Hockey
- Men’s Pool B: India 1-1 New Zealand
Looking Ahead
The Indian contingent will be hoping to bounce back from the disappointment of Day 1 and put up a stronger show in the coming days. The shooting team, in particular, will be looking to make amends and add to India’s medal tally.
The badminton team, led by Lakshya Sen, and the doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, will be aiming to make a deep run in their respective events.
The men’s hockey team, after a draw against New Zealand, will be looking to secure wins in their upcoming matches against Argentina, Ireland, and Belgium to seal a spot in the quarterfinals.
With over 100 athletes representing India at the Paris Olympics 2024, the country is optimistic about surpassing its previous best tally to seven medals and making its mark on the global sporting stage.