India has seen only a few spectacular performances at the Olympics up till now, with the highest medal tally being at the London Olympics in 2012, where India amassed a total of 6 medals in the marquee event.
The last edition saw India grab only 2 medals, one in wrestling and badminton each, however according to experts, this year the tally has a chance of boosting up to 12 medals.
With about 70 players qualified for the event, the flight to tokyo is only months away, and here are 5 players who can help increase India’s medal tally this July.
1. Bajrang Punia-
Bajrang Punia is a bright prospect for India, a wrestler who won a gold medal at both the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games held in 2018, a time when he also achieved the no. 1 ranking in the world in the 65 kg freestyle category. Recovering from an injury, there was a slight dip in his form last year, but according to the rankings published this January, he has improved from No.4 to No.2 in the world, in no time at all.
2. PV Sindhu-
This Badminton Ace became the first Indian to win the world championships last year, and even though she has stumbled with the onset of 2020, this world no.6 is very likely to get a medal for India in Tokyo.
3. Manu Bhaker-
Becoming the youngest person to win a gold medal at the ISSF World Cup in India last year, this 17 year old shooter is bound for great heights. With a gold medal in the 10 m air pistol event at the Commonwealth Games at the tender age of 16, there is no doubt that she is one of the strongest contenders for a medal at the Olympics.
4. Mirabai Chanu-
A 25 year old weightlifter, Mirabai Chanu is a former world champion, Commonwealth Games gold medallist, and also a gold medallist at the Qatar International Cup held last month. She is a solid favourite for a podium finish in the 49 kg category.
5. Neeraj Chopra-
This athlete competing in javelin throw came in the limelight after a gold medal at both the Asian Games And Commonwealth Games in 2018, setting the national record for 88.06 metres at the former. Recently recovering from an elbow injury, he has booked his berth in the Olympics and the entire nation will hope that this athlete can grab a medal at the event.