The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, held in 2021 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, marked a historic chapter in our sporting journey. Despite the challenges of lockdowns, training disruptions, and uncertainty, the Indian contingent delivered its best-ever performance at the Olympics, finishing with seven medals — one gold, two silver, and four bronze. This achievement not only surpassed oour previous best tally from the London 2012 Games but also showcased our growing strength across a diverse range of sports.
The crowning moment of our Tokyo campaign came through Neeraj Chopra, who won gold in the men’s javelin throw. His throw of 87.58 meters etched his name in history as the first Indian to win an Olympic gold in athletics and only the second individual gold medalist after Abhinav Bindra.
Our medal journey began with Mirabai Chanu, who secured silver in women’s 49kg weightlifting on the very first day of competition. Her performance set the tone for the contingent, ending a two-decade-long wait for a weightlifting medal at the Olympics. Following her, Ravi Kumar Dahiya earned silver in men’s freestyle wrestling (57kg), displaying remarkable grit and determination throughout his bouts.
The bronze medalists added equally memorable moments to India’s campaign. PV Sindhu won bronze in women’s singles badminton, becoming the first Indian woman to win medals at two consecutive Olympic Games, after her silver at Rio 2016. Lovlina Borgohain claimed bronze in women’s welterweight boxing, establishing herself as one of the brightest young talents in Indian boxing. In wrestling, Bajrang Punia battled through injury to secure bronze in the men’s 65kg freestyle category, further solidifying our wrestling prowess on the global stage.
One of the most emotional and historic moments came when our men’s hockey team ended a 41-year medal drought, clinching bronze after defeating Germany in a thrilling 5–4 match. This victory rekindled the nation’s rich hockey legacy and marked a long-awaited return to the Olympic podium in a sport that once defined India’s dominance.
Beyond the medal winners, several athletes delivered commendable performances that captured the nation’s imagination. The women’s hockey team reached the semifinals for the first time ever, narrowly missing out on a bronze but earning widespread admiration for their resilience and fighting spirit. Aditi Ashok, in golf, came agonizingly close to a medal, finishing fourth — the best-ever performance by an Indian golfer at the Olympics. Athletes in disciplines such as shooting, boxing, and athletics also displayed promise, signaling a broader and more balanced sporting development in the country.
In conclusion, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics will be remembered as a milestone for Indian sport. With seven medals and countless inspiring performances, the Games symbolized India’s resilience, evolution, and the emergence of a new generation of athletes ready to take on the world. From Neeraj Chopra’s golden throw to the roar of the hockey team’s comeback, Tokyo 2020 reignited India’s Olympic spirit and laid the foundation for even greater achievements in the years to come.
