The Paris 2024 Olympics is being held from July 26 to August 11, 2024.
- Originating in 776 BC, the ancient Games were held every four years in honor of the god Zeus, featuring not only athletic contests but also artistic events such as music, poetry, and theatre.
- The first Olympic Games of the modern era took place in Athens (Greece), the birthplace of the ancient Olympics, in April 1896. Known as the Games of the I Olympiad, this historic event saw the participation of 241 athletes from 14 nations.
- The Paris 1900 Olympic Games saw women compete for the first time. British tennis player Charlotte Cooper, a five-time Wimbledon champion, became the first female Olympic champion. Out of 997 athletes, 22 were women, competing in tennis, sailing, croquet, equestrian events, and golf.
- India’s Olympic journey has evolved significantly since its debut at the Paris Olympics in 1900 with just one participant.
- A landmark moment arrived at the Antwerp Games in 1920 when India sent its first official contingent, marking a century of notable achievements.
- In the Amsterdam 1928 Olympics, India secured its first Olympic gold medal. Indian men’s hockey team led by the iconic Dhyan Chand won the gold medal.
- At the Helsinki 1952 Olympics, wrestler KD Jadhav made history by clinching India’s first individual Olympic medal, a bronze.
- The Beijing 2008 Olympics marked a monumental point for India as shooter Abhinav Bindra secured the nation’s first individual gold medal in the 10m Air Rifle event, setting a new benchmark in Indian Olympic history.
- Tokyo 2020 proved historic for India with a total of seven medals.
