Olympics 2024: Mirabai Chanu to Deepika Kumari - Five Female Indian Athletes Who Disappointed in Paris

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The Paris 2024 Olympics were eagerly anticipated by Indian sports fans, especially with the strong contingent of female athletes representing the nation.

However, while some delivered outstanding performances, others, despite their past achievements and potential, failed to meet the high expectations. In this article, we examine five such athletes who couldn't quite live up to the billing in Paris.

1. Deepika Kumari

Deepika Kumari, one of India's most accomplished archers and a former world number one, entered Paris 2024 with hopes of finally clinching an elusive Olympic medal. However, Kumari's journey was cut short in the early knockout rounds, as she lost against South Korea's Nam Suhyeon by a scoreline of 6-4. Despite her impressive track record in other international competitions, her inability to perform consistently at the Olympics once again left Indian fans disappointed.

2. Mirabai Chanu

Mirabai Chanu, the Tokyo 2020 silver medallist and a dominant force in weightlifting, was expected to add to her Olympic medal tally in Paris. Competing in the 49kg category, Chanu, unfortunately, fell short of expectations, finishing outside the medal positions in fourth place. Despite her strong performances in the build-up to the Games, including a world record, Chanu struggled with her lifts on the Olympic stage, unable to replicate her previous success.

3. Nikhat Zareen

Nikhat Zareen, the reigning world champion in women's boxing, was one of India's brightest prospects heading into Paris 2024. Competing in the 50kg category, she was expected to challenge for a podium finish. However, Zareen's campaign ended in the quarter-finals, where she was outboxed by top-seed Wu Yu of China. Her defeat was a significant letdown, given her stellar form leading up to the Games and the high expectations from her as a future star of Indian boxing.

4. Anshu Malik

Anshu Malik, a former world championship silver medallist in wrestling, was seen as a strong medal contender for India in the 57kg category. However, Malik's performance at Paris 2024 was below par, as she exited the competition in the Round of 16 after a heavy loss against Helen Louise Maroulis of the USA. Despite her aggressive style and previous successes on the international stage, Malik couldn't find her footing in Paris, leaving her Olympic dream unfulfilled.

5. Antim Panghal

Antim Panghal, a rising star in Indian wrestling and the first Indian woman to win a junior world title, entered Paris 2024 with high hopes. Competing in the 53kg category, she was considered a dark horse for a medal. However, Panghal's inexperience at the senior level showed, as she lost against Turkey's Zeynep Yetgil in the opening round within 101 seconds.

These athletes, despite their undeniable talent and potential, couldn't deliver the performances they were capable of at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Their struggles on the world's biggest stage highlight the unpredictable nature of sports and the immense pressure that comes with representing a nation at the Olympics.