Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (August 15) met the Indian contingent that returned from 2024 Paris Olympics with six medals. Shooter Manu Bhakar displayed the pistol with which she won two bronze medals - in 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed event - in Paris, while the Indian men's hockey team presented a stick signed by all the players.
Retired goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, instrumental in India's second consecutive bronze medal win, also gifted his jersey to the Prime Minister. The Indian hockey team secured a historic bronze by defeating Spain in the semi-finals, and Bhakar earned two bronze medals in individual and mixed team shooting events.
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Apart from the medalists, other athletes from the Indian contingent also met Prime Minister Modi, including Lakshya Sen, Sarabjot Singh, and Manu Bhakar. Notably absent was Neeraj Chopra, who won the silver medal in men’s javelin throw. He could not attend the ceremony due to undergoing surgery in Germany.
Watch video: PM Modi meets Manu Bhaker, Indian contingent returned from 2024 Paris Olympics
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Earlier in the day, the Indian contingent attended the historic Red Fort, where Prime Minister Modi addressed the nation on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day.
Indian athletes secured a total of six medals at 2024 Paris Olympics, including one silver and five bronze. Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra failed to defend his gold medal in men's javelin throw but made sure to return home with a silver medal, while Manu Bhakar, Sarabjot Singh, Aman Sehrawat, and Swapnil Kusale earned bronze medals in the mixed team events.
Major disappointment for Indian fans
India was poised to match its seven-medal tally from the previous Games and was on the brink of securing its first gold medal in the 2024 edition. Unfortunately, Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the women's 50kg gold medal bout meant that none of her previous wins were recognized, leading to her finishing in last position.
Few days later, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed star grappler Vinesh Phogat's petition for a joint silver medal at the 2024 Olympics.