India's Top Medal Hopefuls at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics
The Olympic Games in 2020 were cancelled for the first time since 1944 which was because of World War II. Japan has now allowed the Olympics to take place in 2021. Indian athletes have worked hard to overcome the fatigue of the coronavirus pandemic and to become ready for the games. With just a few days left for the games to start, we bring you a list of players who are the top medal hopefuls for India at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics:
Saurabh Chaudhary (Shooting)
The target is set for Saurabh Chaudhary, and it is the Tokyo Olympics. After winning gold in ISSF World Championship, ISSF World Cup, Youth Olympic Games, Asian Games and Asian Air Gun Championship, Saurabh is a major prospect for India in the Olympics. We wish him the best!
Mirabai Chanu (Weightlifting)
Mirabai Chanu is a 26 year old from Manipur. Having won numerous accolades since entering the international level in 2014, Mirabai Chanu is one of the top medal hopefuls for India at the Olympics. Give it your 100% Mirabai, India is with you!
Bajrang Punia (Wrestling)
Bajrang Punia competes in the 65 kg weight category and is one of the most decorated wrestlers from India. He won three medals at the World Wrestling Championships. In 2021, he won the gold medal in the 65 kg event at the Matteo Pellicone Ranking Series held in Italy.
We all hope that Bajrang Punia makes it big on his maiden Olympics attempt!
PV Sindhu (Badminton)
Photo Source: Wikipedia
The ace shuttler who won a silver at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, has a chance to repeat history at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Her main competitor Carolina Marin from Spain is also looking to reclaim the world title. Let the best player win, Go PV Sindhu!
Indian Men's Hockey Team
Photo Source: Sportstar- The Hindu
India won its last gold medal in hockey at the 1980 Olympics. The men are practicing hard so that they can bring smiles to the country, which has Hockey as the National Sport. Currently world number 5, nothing can stop India from winning gold. India! India!
Amit Panghal (Boxing)
Amit Panghal is a 25-year-old from Rohtak, Haryana. He won silver at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. In April 2019 he won gold at the Asian Boxing Championship. On his maiden Olympics attempt, we all wish him the best in his endeavor to set the Tricolour high!
Elavenil Valarivan (Shooting)
The stage is set for the 21-year-old to represent the country. Inspiring millions in the country and many in the sport, Elavenil is an example of courage and determination. Elavenil represented India at the 2018 ISSF Junior World Cup and won gold after which she won Gold at World Junior World Cup Suhl 2019. She won first at the 2019 ISSF 10-meter Air Rifle world cup on 28 August scoring 251.7 in Rio de Janeiro. We all hope she continues her winning spell!
Vinesh Phogat (Wrestling)
Vinesh Phogat comes from a successful family of wrestlers. She is the first Indian woman wrestler to win Gold in both Commonwealth and Asian games. Most recently, she won gold at the 2021 Poland Open and is all set for the Tokyo Olympics. More power to you Vinesh Phogat!
Neeraj Chopra (Javelin Throw)
Neeraj is the first Indian athlete to ever win a World title in Track and Field at U-20. He holds the Indian national record of 88.07 m for Javelin Throw. He won gold medals for India at the 2018 Asian Games and 2018 Commonwealth Games. Chopra suffered an injury in May 2019, causing him to miss the entire 2019 season. Chopra returned to the competitive level in January 2020 and achieved the qualifying mark for the 2020 Summer Olympics with a new national record.
India wishes you all the best for the Olympics!
Atanu Das- Deepika Kumari (Archery)
Atanu Das has a current world ranking of 17. Deepika Kumari is currently ranked World No. 9 and is a former world number one. Atanu with Deepika Kumari, has won a bronze medal, in the 2013 World Cup Mixed Team event organized in Colombia. They make for one of the strongest doubles pairs in the international arena. We wish them the very best for the Olympics!