New Delhi: In 2024, Indian athletes shone globally, setting new records and bidding farewell to legends. From Olympic records to emotional farewells, Indian sports have achieved new heights, celebrated heroes and inspired the next generation of athletes.
T20 World Cup victory ends 11-year trophy drought
Indian cricket reached a milestone with the men’s team winning the ICC T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA and West Indies. Rohit Sharma’s team remained unbeaten and defeated South Africa in the final. Jasprit Bumrah’s talent earned him the Most Valuable Player of the tournament award. The win was bittersweet as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja announced their retirement from T20I cricket, marking the end of an era.
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Paris Olympics: 6 medals and record results
Indian athletes performed brilliantly at the Paris Olympics and brought home six medals. Neeraj Chopra furthered his achievements by winning a silver medal in the men’s javelin throw, while shooter Manu Baker made history by becoming India’s first player to win two bronze medals in women’s shooting at the Olympics. Wrestler Aman Sehrawat became India’s youngest Olympic medalist by winning bronze in the men’s freestyle 57kg category.
The Indian men’s hockey team won the bronze medal with captain Harmanpreet Singh as the tournament’s top scorer. PR Sreejesh’s heroics in goal contributed to the team’s success, including the historic victory over Australia, their first in 52 years.
Asian and world titles in badminton and chess
The Indian women’s badminton team led by PV Sindhu won its first gold medal at the Asian Badminton Team Championships. Rising star Anmol Kalb was the key to the victory. Meanwhile, in chess, Gukesh Donmaraju became the youngest world champion and Connell Humpy won his second World Rapid Chess Championship. India also won two gold medals at the Chess Olympics.
A historic year for Indian para athletes
India won a record 29 medals at the Paris Paralympics, including seven gold medals. Avani Rekhhara and Sumit Antil repeated their gold medal-winning feat while Harvinder Singh won India’s first Paralympic gold medal in archery.
Saying goodbye to soccer, hockey and gymnastics icons
Football legend Sunil Chhetri has retired after 20 years as an international footballer, finishing as India’s top scorer with 94 goals. PR Sreejesh bids adieu after leading the hockey team to an Olympic bronze medal, while gymnast Dipa Karmakar retires after winning gold in the vault at the Asian Women’s Gymnastics Championships.
Squash and tennis make waves
Young squash prodigy Anahat Singh has won nine PSA Challenger titles and cracked the top 100 rankings. Tennis veteran Rohan Bopanna made history by winning his first Grand Slam men’s doubles title at the Australian Open, becoming the oldest Masters 1000 champion.
