Good luck, Team India at the Olympics!

India's remarkable progress in the realm of sports is increasingly evident. As the nation gears up for the upcoming Olympics, there's a palpable sense of optimism surrounding India's prospects across various disciplines.

The critical question is: how many of these expectations will translate into medals? Prominent among the sports where India harbours high hopes is badminton and table tennis.

While badminton has consistently brought glory with stellar performances by Indian players, table tennis presents an outside chance for a podium finish.

Beyond these, there are strong contenders in archery, boxing, weightlifting and wrestling – sports in which Indian athletes have shown considerable promise and resilience. Shooting stands out as a discipline brimming with potential.

Historically, Indian shooters have delivered commendable performances on the world stage, and this year promises to be no different. Adding to the excitement, for the first time, Indian men and women have qualified for the team championship in table tennis, signalling the country's expanding prowess in the sport.

Athletics, too, offers a beacon of hope, spearheaded by Neeraj Chopra, a javelin thrower with a record of excellence. Alongside him is steeplechase athlete Avinash Sable, currently at his peak. Parul Chaudhary also holds promise, with expectations that she will reach the finals in her event.

Jyothi Yarraji could potentially surprise in the 100-metre hurdles, and the Indian 4x400 relay team is gaining momentum as a formidable force. The Indian hockey team, while facing a challenging pool, is peaking at the right time, offering a glimmer of hope for a strong performance.

However, it is unfortunate that kabaddi, a sport in which India excels, is not part of the Olympic Games. As India aspires to host the 2036 Olympics, there is hope that kabaddi may be included in the future.

Cricket, a sport that ignites unparalleled passion in India, has the nation pinning its hopes on clinching the gold medal, but the realisation of that dream will have to wait at least till the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, in which the sport has been included.

The excitement among Indians for this Olympics is still palpable, driven not just by the thrill of the Games but also by the anticipation of securing a significant number of medals. In this endeavour, golf presents a good opportunity, with Aditi Ashok from Bengaluru narrowly missing a bronze in the previous Olympics.

Her performance underscores the potential for India to secure a podium finish in golf this time around. India's best performance in terms of medals won was at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where the country bagged seven medals—one gold, two silver and four bronze.

The prime goal this Games is to surpass that achievement and possibly enter the double digits in the medal tally. The strength and progress of a nation are often reflected in its sporting achievements. While traditional sports continue to see dominant performances from established countries, there is a notable correlation between a nation's economic health and its success in sports.

India, with its growing economy, has the potential to strike it rich at the Olympics. India stands at the cusp of making history this Olympic season, with a diverse array of sports showcasing the nation's burgeoning talent and determination.

The athletes' relentless pursuit of excellence and the nation's unwavering support set the stage for a potentially historic medal haul. As the Games unfold, India watches with bated breath, united in hope and pride, ready to celebrate the triumphs ahead.