All the Indian teams have been set for the Paris Olympics 2024, which will be held from July 26 to August 11. 113 athletes from India have confirmed their tickets to Paris, out of which 20 are from Punjab. 17.69% of the players playing for India will be from Punjab only. There are 10 players from Punjab in hockey, two in shooting, one in athletics, and one in golf.
Like the Tokyo Olympics, this time too, Punjab's claim will be the biggest, while there has been an increase of 70% in shooting and Punjab will debut in golf. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Punjab made this record with 17 athletes but could only win medals in hockey. The hockey team made up of Punjabi players got the bronze medal. Punjab had only eight players in the Basic Olympics, after which Punjab was constantly increasing its claim. Manpreet Singh is the most experienced player in the Indian team and is playing in his fourth Olympics. Last time, under the captaincy of Manpreet Singh, the Indian hockey team won the bronze medal after 41 years. Punjab is expected to get more medals in individual events.
Meet the Olympians representing India at the Paris 2024 Summer Games.
Athletics:
Hailing from Punjab's Barnala district, Akashdeep Singh is a well-known competitor in the 20-kilometer race walk. He holds the national record for India in this discipline, backed by the Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ). With his qualifying times for the 20-kilometer race walk and the mixed marathon race walk, which is making its Olympic debut in Paris, Akashdeep has guaranteed his place in the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Tajinderpal Singh Toor, a well-known shot putter, has enlisted as a petty officer in the Indian Navy. Tajinder is a two-time Asian champion and a gold medalist at the Asian Games. He currently holds the national record of 21.77 meters. He has competed in the Olympics four times and has received sponsorship from OGQ.
Shooting:
Chandigarh-based sport shooter Arjun Babuta participates in the 10-meter air rifle competitions. Supported by OGQ, Babuta won gold and bronze medals at the ISSF Junior World Cup 2016 in Gabala. In the 2023 Asian Shooting Championships in Changwon, he earned a silver medal in the 10 meter air rifle, securing a quota place for India at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Anjum Moudgil, also a shooter from Chandigarh, represents Punjab in national and international competitions. She won a silver medal in the women’s 50-meter rifle 3-positions event at the ISSF World Cup in Mexico. Anjum achieved the world number 2 ranking in the women’s 10m air rifle ISSF rankings on May 1, 2019, and was among the 19 athletes selected for the Arjuna Award in 2019.
At the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Sift Kaur Samra will compete in the women's 50-meter rifle three-positions event. Samra's adventure with shooting started when her cousin first introduced her to the sport when she was just 22 years old.
Sandeep Singh, a former Indian army man from Faridkot, is competing in the 10 meter air rifle event and is being supported by OGQ.
Vijyaveer Sidhu secured an Olympic quota for the 25-meter rapid-fire pistol event by winning a silver medal at the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in January 2024 in Jakarta. Supported by OGQ, Sidhu also won a bronze medal in the men’s 25-meter rapid-fire pistol team event at the 2022 Asian Games.
Rajeshwari Kumari, a trap shooter and fashion designer, has won medals in both domestic and international competitions. She qualified for the women’s trap event at the 2024 Summer Olympics. Kumari, the daughter of sports administrator Randhir Singh, won silver in the women’s trap team event at the 2022 Asian Games.
Hockey:
Harmanpreet Singh will play in his third Olympics as captain, having debuted at the 2016 Rio Olympics and contributing to India’s bronze medal win at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Jarmanpreet Singh, a defender from Punjab, will make his Olympic debut in Paris as part of the Indian field hockey team.
Shamsher Singh, a forward, debuted internationally at the 2019 Ready Steady Tokyo Hockey Tournament and won a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Gurjant Singh, a forward, was part of the Indian squad that won gold at the 2016 Men’s Hockey Junior World Cup and the 2022 Asian Games.
Hardik Singh, a midfielder, represents the Indian national team, showcasing his skills on the international stage.
Manpreet Singh Pawar, a seasoned player, led India to a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. He has been representing India since 2011 and was named Asia's Junior Player of the Year in 2014.
Sukhjeet Singh, from Jalandhar, started playing hockey at a young age and is now a key player on the national team.
Mandeep Singh, a forward, plays for the Delhi Waveriders in the Hockey India League and the Indian national team.
Krishan Bahadur Pathak, the current goalkeeper for the Indian hockey team, has been active since 2016 and was part of the team that won bronze at the 2018 Asian Games.
Golf:
Gaganjeet Bhullar, born in 1988, is a golfing sensation from India. Known for his precise shots and steady demeanor, Bhullar has claimed multiple victories on the Asian Tour. He has represented India in prestigious international tournaments, earning accolades for his performances. Bhullar is admired for his humility and sportsmanship, inspiring aspiring golfers with his passion and determination.
These athletes are set to showcase their talents and bring glory to India at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.