Its time for the quadrennial sporting extravaganza. The dreaded virus has ensured its happening at a reduced interval this time around. A look at how the Indian contingent is expected to perform at the sporting altar. Whether their mettle would meet the standard required to land precious metal.
I look at the events where Indian athletes have qualified in no particular order and assign two categories to their chances. I highlight athletes that are in the running for notable performances. The remaining participants would be in the French capital to make up the numbers.
- World standard ( 50% odds of medaling)
- Miracle (10% odds of medaling)
- Shooting : Has been one of mainstays of qualification but has failed to deliver actual rewards in proportion. The last medal was at the 2012 games. Indians have won a record 21 quota places out of a possible 24 for the Paris games. India will have representation in all the rifle, pistol and shotgun disciplines. Will it be another instance of the top guns flattering to deceive? I think yes. Indian shooters have had an unenviable record of faltering when it matters the most (read finals). i expect the story to continue. The strongest hope is Sift Kaur Samra in the Women's 3 position rifle. She is the current world record holder and has shown impeccable consistency over the past year or so. Manu Bhaker might spring a surprise but given her performance at the last games, its a slim hope.
- World Standard - 1
- Miracle - 1
- Athletics : There were goosebumps when Neeraj Chopra hurled that spear through the Tokyo night sky. It was an achievement beyond what words can describe. He will again carry the hopes of a billion on his javelin. Kishore Jena has walked the trail blazed by Neeraj to qualify as well but will need a herculean effort to upstage the favorites. Other notable names are Avinash Sable and Parul Chaudhary who will participate in two races. However, their times pale in comparison on the East Africans and it would be a credit for them just to make the finals. The Indian 4x400 men's relay is another notable mention being the Asian champions but again nowhere close to the world standard. The other members of the contingent will make up numbers with nobody expected to make a mark.
- World Standard - 1
- Miracle - 1
- Badminton : PV Sindhu has been the torchbearer for the last two editions but has lost her edge in the last couple of years with age and injuries catching up. Its very unlikely that she adds to her silver and bronze from the previous games. The duo of Chirag Shetty and Satwik Rankireddy carry the beacon for Indian badminton. Their performances and consistency has been world class and not winning a medal would be a disappointment for the dynamic duo. The men's singles with Prannoy and Lakshya Sen is looking thin with both being affected by injuries lately and not being able to challenge the best in the world.
- World Standard - 1
- Miracle - 0
- Wrestling : The once bellwether of Indian Olympic performance has fallen into neglect. With just one male wrestler (Aman Sehrawat) qualifying, the chances of a podium finish are unlikely. Vinesh Phogat will be unseeded and will need to get past some of the best in the initial rounds. Given past performances, it would be a challenge for her to reach the business end. Repechage may be the only resort for one of the wrestlers to grab a medal. Antim Panghal is another bright spark but not yet in the league of the top wrestlers making up the field.
- World Standard - 0
- Miracle - 1
- Boxing : Nikhat Zareen has been in phenomenal form in the run up of the games. She has taken on the world's best and beaten them to the punch. She is the reigning world champion and one of the very few Indian athletes for whom a non-medal will be a surprise. Lovlina Borghain hasn't had a lot of bouts to show in the recent past and is unlikely to add to her bronze from Tokyo. The male boxers pale in comparison to their competition and will return empty handed.
- World Standard - 1
- Miracle - 1
- Weightlifting : Mirabai Chanu started India's medal tally at Tokyo with a fine silver. Whether she can do an encore will depend on how her recent injuries have healed and whether she can do a total of 205 kg across the two lifts. At her best, she is world class, second only to the mighty Chinese. Fingers crossed for her to lift India's spirits as the games kick off.
- World Standard - 1
- Miracle - 0
- Hockey (Men) : India are the reigning bronze medalists from Tokyo. However, their form has dipped in the past couple of years. The age old penalty corner conversion problem persists and their physical condition typically is found wanting against the European heavy weights and Australia. That has led them to concede goals toward the end of the matches. The forwards are goal shy with trapping skills found wanting. It would be a miracle if India can do a repeat or better from the Tokyo games.
- World Standard - 0
- Miracle - 1
- Archery : The Indian recurve archers weren't able to qualify for the games from the qualification events. Rankings came to their rescue just to be able to make the trip. They go to Paris on the back of patchy performances and low confidence. Even when they displayed good form before the previous editions, they flattered to deceive losing to unfancied opponents. While the easier compound archery teams are consistent world beaters, the recurve archers are mediocre at best. Another floundering campaign expected from them.
- World Standard - 0
- Miracle - 0
- Other Disciplines (Tennis, Sailing, Judo,
Rowing, Golf, Equestrian, Table Tennis, Swimming) : None of the qualifiers have any pedigree or past performances that kindle a hope for a top 3 finish. They are nowhere close to the competitive standards required. Honorable mention : Rohan Bopanna/Sriram Balaji may give a good account of themselves in the men's doubles tennis but a medal round would be a goal too far.
- World Standard - 0
- Miracle - 0
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