Making History: Indian Women Athletes’ Inspiring Performances at Paris 2024

By /
The Paris Olympics 2024 has provided a stage for Indian women athletes to demonstrate their talent, resilience, and determination. From Vinesh Phogat’s extraordinary victory to Nisha Dahiya’s valiant effort, these athletes have not only made history but have also inspired future generations to pursue their dreams with steadfast dedication.
Indian Women Athletes'

The Paris Olympics 2024 have become a stage for remarkable performances by Indian women athletes, making history and inspiring millions. One of the standout moments came from Indian grappler Vinesh Phogat, who achieved an extraordinary victory against Japan’s Yui Susaki in the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling event.

Vinesh Phogat’s Stunning Comeback

Vinesh Phogat‘s journey at the Paris Olympics 2024 has been nothing short of inspirational. She made a roaring start by defeating Japan’s Yui Susaki, the reigning world champion and Olympic gold medallist, in the Round of 16. This victory was particularly significant as it handed Susaki her first-ever international career loss, with Vinesh stunning the No. 1 seed in the final five seconds to win the match 3-2.

Building on this momentum, Vinesh faced Ukraine’s Oksana Livach just 45 minutes later and secured a 7-5 victory in a closely contested bout, advancing to the semifinals. Vinesh is now just one win away from securing a medal, which would make her the first Indian female wrestler to win either a silver or gold in wrestling at the Olympics, surpassing Sakshi Malik’s bronze medal finish at the Rio Olympics 2016. Even if she faces a setback in the semifinals, Vinesh will still have a chance to compete for a bronze medal through the repechage round.

Indian Women Athletes'

Phogat’s triumph is especially noteworthy given her recent hiatus from the sport to lead a protest against Brij Bhushan Singh Sharan, the former head of the Wrestling Federation of India, whom she accused of sexual misconduct. Her return to the Olympics and subsequent victories are a testament to her resilience and determination. In her two previous Olympic appearances, Vinesh had not managed to secure a medal, making these victories even more significant.

Nisha Dahiya’s Heartbreaking Loss

In contrast to Phogat’s triumph, fellow Indian wrestler Nisha Dahiya faced a heartbreaking defeat in the quarter-finals of the women’s 68kg freestyle event. Leading 8-2 against Pak Sol Gum of South Korea, Dahiya suffered a hand injury with just 33 seconds left, which drastically affected her performance. Despite her strong start, the injury led to a reversal in fortunes, with Pak Sol Gum securing nine consecutive points and ultimately winning the match.

Making History: Indian Women Athletes' Inspiring Performances at Paris 2024

Nisha’s story is one of determination and grit. She had made it to the quarter-final bout by defeating Ukraine’s Tetiana Sova 6-4 in the round of 16, showcasing her ability to make comebacks. Despite trailing 1-4 at the end of the first period, she managed to score five points in the second round to secure her place in the quarter-finals. However, her injury in the quarter-finals left her visibly distressed and inconsolable, highlighting the physical and emotional toll of competitive sports.

Historic Victory for Indian Table Tennis Team

In another historic achievement, the Indian women’s table tennis team, led by Manika Batra, secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Romania in the team competition. This victory marks the first time an Indian team has advanced to the last eight in this event. Batra, along with teammates Sreeja Akula and Archana Kamath, showcased exceptional skill and determination.

Indian Women Athletes'

The final match saw Batra defeating Adina Diaconu, securing India’s place in the quarter-finals. The team’s performance was characterized by a mix of strategic play and resilience. Batra first led India to a 2-0 lead by winning her singles match against Bernadette Szocs with scores of 11-5, 11-7, 11-7. However, the Romanian team fought back, winning the next two matches to even the score at 2-2. In the decisive final match, Batra’s dominance ensured India’s historic victory. This achievement has set a new benchmark for Indian table tennis on the global stage, demonstrating the growing strength of the sport in India.

Mirabai Chanu’s Quest for a Second Olympic Medal

Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu is also in the spotlight as she aims to become India’s first weightlifter to win two Olympic medals. Despite dealing with hip tendonitis and a challenging field of competitors, Chanu remains a strong contender. She has been training rigorously in Paris and receiving support from American strength and conditioning coach Dr. Aaron Horschig. Chanu’s journey is one of perseverance, having previously won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Her performance in the snatch and clean and jerk events will be crucial as she competes in the 49kg category.

Making History: Indian Women Athletes' Inspiring Performances at Paris 2024

Chanu has had a challenging Olympic cycle due to injuries, but her determination remains undiminished. She has set an entry weight of 200kg, alongside strong competitors such as USA’s Jourdan Delacruz and Thailand’s Surodchana Khambao. Chanu’s main battle will be with herself, as her performance in the snatch section has been inconsistent. However, her ability to overcome challenges and her tenacity make her a formidable contender. The absence of North Korea’s Ri Song Gum, an Asian Games champion and world record holder, adds an interesting dynamic to the competition.

A Quick Review

The Paris Olympics 2024 have been a platform for Indian women athletes to showcase their talent, resilience, and determination. Vinesh Phogat’s remarkable victory, Nisha Dahiya’s courageous fight, the historic win of the Indian table tennis team, and Mirabai Chanu’s quest for another medal are just a few examples of their incredible achievements. These athletes are not only making history but also inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.

Read Next: 

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

error: Content is protected !!
Scroll to Top