India finished Paris 2024 with just six medals — all bronze and silver, no gold — in a deeply disappointing campaign for the world’s most populous nation. But the story out of Paris was not despair: it was determination. Indian sports federations, athletes, and the government have launched the most ambitious Olympic preparation programme in the country’s history, targeting a significantly improved haul at LA 2028. Here’s who to watch.
Paris 2024 Recap
India’s six-medal Paris haul:
- 🥈 Neeraj Chopra — Javelin Throw
- 🥈 Aman Sehrawat — Wrestling (57kg)
- 🥈 PR Sreejesh — Hockey (team silver, Sreejesh’s farewell Games)
- 🥉 Manu Bhaker — Shooting (10m Air Pistol)
- 🥉 Manu Bhaker & Sarabjot Singh — Shooting (10m Air Pistol Mixed Team)
- 🥉 Swapnil Kusale — Shooting (50m Rifle 3 Positions)
Neeraj Chopra’s silver was particularly painful — he threw a season-best 89.45m but was beaten by Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem’s extraordinary world-record throw of 92.97m. In any other final, Chopra’s performance would have won gold comfortably.
Mission LA 2028
The Indian government’s Mission Olympics 2028 programme has allocated ₹1,500 crore (approximately $180 million) for elite athlete development over the 2024-2028 cycle — triple the budget of the Paris cycle. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) is partnering with international training academies across USA, Europe, and Australia for exposure camps and coaching.
Athletes to Watch
Neeraj Chopra — Javelin Throw ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The 2020 Tokyo gold medallist and 2024 Paris silver medallist will be India’s number one gold medal hope at LA 2028. He’ll be 30 at the Games — well within prime age for a javelin thrower. His goal is simple: throw beyond 90 metres in an Olympic final. If he achieves that, gold is likely.
Manu Bhaker — Shooting ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The 22-year-old from Haryana became India’s most decorated Paris Olympian with two bronze medals. At LA 2028 she’ll be 26 and targeting gold in the 10m Air Pistol. Her consistency and mental strength at the biggest stage make her a genuine contender.
Aman Sehrawat — Wrestling ⭐⭐⭐⭐
India’s youngest Paris medallist, just 21 when he won silver, Sehrawat in the 57kg freestyle category is a future world champion. By LA 2028 he’ll have four more years of international experience — and the hunger of someone who came so close to gold.
Lakshya Sen — Badminton ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The men’s singles world top-10 player came agonisingly close at Paris, losing the bronze medal match in three sets. At 24 by LA 2028, Sen’s peak years align perfectly with the Games. If he can maintain his level and improve his physical durability, he’s a medal threat.
Indian Men’s Hockey Team ⭐⭐⭐
India won back-to-back Olympic hockey bronze medals (Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024). With P.R. Sreejesh retired, a generational transition is underway. The target is a podium, ideally gold — hockey is where India’s Olympic tradition runs deepest.
Emerging Names
- Arjun Babuta — Shooting, 10m Air Rifle (narrowly missed Paris bronze)
- Antim Panghal — Women’s Wrestling (will target 53kg category)
- Jeswin Aldrin — Long Jump, sub-8.30m athlete with potential to threaten medals
- Sift Kaur Samra — Shooting, 50m Rifle 3P Women (world record holder)
Cricket at LA 2028 — India’s Wildcard
The addition of T20 cricket to the 2028 programme is potentially game-changing for India. India’s T20 team is the reigning World Cup champion (2024), and a T20 gold at an Olympics played on home soil for Indian cricket fans would be a seismic moment in global sports. If cricket qualification is straightforward, India enters as the pre-tournament favourite.
The Bottom Line
Realistically, India should target 10–15 medals at LA 2028, with 2–4 gold medals within reach. Shooting, wrestling, javelin, and cricket (if it qualifies) represent the strongest pathways. The investment, infrastructure, and athlete quality is there. What’s needed now is execution.
Medal & More will provide full coverage of India’s Olympic qualification campaign through 2026–2028.
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