India’s golden sporting year: Landmark achievements in 2024 across Cricket, Olympics, and more
From cricket and chess to the Olympics and Paralympics, Indian sports icons showcased their prowess on the global stage, delivering moments that will be etched in history. Here’s a look at the year’s most significant achievements.
Hyderabad: The year 2024 was a landmark year for Indian sports, with athletes achieving remarkable success across various disciplines, breaking records and inspiring millions. From cricket and chess to the Olympics and Paralympics, Indian sports icons showcased their prowess on the global stage, delivering moments that will be etched in history. Here’s a look at the year’s most significant achievements.
T20 World Cup glory: Ending 11-Year ICC Trophy drought
India’s cricket team ended an 11-year wait for an ICC trophy with a triumphant victory at the 2024 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA and West Indies. Under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, the Men in Blue defeated South Africa in the final to win their second T20 World Cup title. India’s flawless campaign saw them become the first unbeaten team to win the prestigious tournament.
This victory brought immense joy to fans, especially after the heartbreak of losing the ODI World Cup final to Australia in November 2023. The T20 win not only restored national pride but also reaffirmed India’s dominance in global cricket.
Paris Olympics: A journey of resilience
India’s campaign at the Paris Olympics concluded with six medals—one silver and five bronze—marking the country’s third-best performance in Olympic history. Shooter Manu Bhaker made history with two bronze medals, becoming the only Indian to achieve this feat in a single campaign. Swapnil Kusale, a 29-year-old railway ticket collector, clinched bronze in the men’s 50m rifle 3-position event, a first for India.
Neeraj Chopra’s silver medal in javelin remained India’s best result, though some considered it below expectations given his gold-winning pedigree. The Indian men’s hockey team secured a historic bronze, achieving back-to-back Olympic medals for the first time since 1972. In wrestling, Aman Sehrawat’s bronze in the 57kg freestyle category made him India’s youngest-ever Olympic medalist.
Record-breaking Paralympics performance
India’s contingent at the Paris Paralympics delivered its best-ever performance, winning 29 medals, including seven golds, nine silvers and 13 bronzes, to clinch the 18th spot. This incredible achievement surpassed India’s previous best of 19 medals at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, marking a new chapter in the nation’s Paralympic history.
Chess dominance: A golden year
India’s chess players shone brightly in 2024. The 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Budapest saw both the Indian men’s and women’s teams win gold medals. The men’s team, featuring prodigies like Gukesh D, Praggnanandhaa R, Arjun Erigaisi and Vidit Gujrathi, clinched the title with a final round victory over Slovenia. The women’s team, including Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali R, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal and Tania Sachdev, staged a stunning comeback to win the title.
The highlight of the year was 18-year-old Gukesh D becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, defeating China’s Ding Liren. This victory cemented his status as one of the greatest chess prodigies and the second Indian to achieve this feat after Viswanathan Anand.
Rohan Bopanna: A Grand Slam milestone
Veteran tennis star Rohan Bopanna scripted history at the 2024 Australian Open. Partnering with Australian Matthew Ebden, Bopanna won the men’s doubles title, defeating Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori. At 43 years, Bopanna became the oldest man to win a Grand Slam title, a testament to his enduring skill and determination.
