We have entered the Olympics Year, and the race for the remaining qualifying spots in heating up. For the Indian contingent, the elations and heartbreaks continue, on the field (and the shenanigans off it).
Here is a quick summary of the updates since Episode 8
Qualifiers
Shooting: After the 2024 Asian Shooting Championships, India now has a qualifier in every single category for the first time ever.
Men’s: Varun Tomar (10m Air Pistol), Vijayveer Sidhu (25m Pistol), Anantjeet Naruka (Skeet).Women’s: Esha Singh (10m Air Pistol), Rhythm Sangwan (25m Pistol), Raiza Dhillon (Skeet)
Equestrian: India have a Quota Place in Individual Dressage through Anush Agarwalla – first ever appearance in this particular event.
Sailing: Vishnu Sarvanan earned a Quota Place in Men’s ILCA category
In other news
Badminton: Indian Women won their first ever Badminton Asia Championships. This was also their first ever medal at the event.
Tennis: Rohan Bopanna, at 43 years young, won his first Men’s Doubles Grand Slam title at the Australian Open finally reached No. 1 ranking.
Athletics: 6 Men have now breached the Qualification mark in the Men’s 20km Walk. Only 3 can qualify!
Hockey: Women’s Team fails to reach the Games after finishing 4th in the Qualifiers. A real heartbreak for the team which came so close to a medal at Tokyo.
Wrestling: The mess continues - Elections held, New body elected and then suspended by Govt. An ad hoc committee in place and two separate Nationals held.
Qualification Summary for Team India: Sports: 6, Events 22, Entries:29, Athletes: 44.
Till next time!
Links: Episode 8
