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Xtra Time Web Desk:Neeraj Chopra once again carried the weight of a nation's expectations, adding a silver medal in javelin to his gold from Tokyo. However, the rest of the Indian contingent faltered on the grand stage of the Paris Olympics 2024.

Historically, India has made its mark in the Olympics primarily through its eight golds in hockey, the last of which came in Moscow in 1980. In recent decades, the country has found pride in sports like badminton, shooting, and wrestling. But now, thanks to Chopra’s relentless drive, India is slowly etching its name in athletics as well.

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Though Norman Pritchard won two silvers in 1900 during British rule, India had struggled post-independence to make its presence felt in global athletics. Neeraj Chopra has changed that narrative, instilling belief that India can compete and triumph on the grandest stage. Such is his impact that now, even a silver medal might seem less than expected. On Thursday, Chopra joined the elite ranks of PV Sindhu and Sushil Kumar as the third Indian to win individual medals in consecutive Olympics. His throw of 89.45 meters, a season’s best, was impressive, even if his dream of crossing the 90-meter mark remains elusive.

In other athletics events, Avinash Sable emerged as the second-best Indian performer, competing in the men’s 3000m steeplechase. The 29-year-old finished fifth in his heat with a timing of 8:15.43, later securing 11th place in the final with a slightly improved time of 8:14.18. Unfortunately, other Indian athletes struggled to make an impact, failing to qualify for their respective finals.

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While India came close to medals in badminton, shooting, and weightlifting—securing several fourth-place finishes—its athletes in track and field could not rise to the high standards set by their global counterparts. Parul Chaudhary, despite delivering her season’s best in both the Women’s 3000m steeplechase and Women’s 5000m, fell short of securing a spot in the finals.

In the end, Neeraj Chopra’s silver remains a lone bright spot in an otherwise challenging campaign for Indian athletics at the Paris Olympics.