Paris: Neeraj Chopra, the reigning world and Asian Games champion, will headline India’s efforts at the Paris 2024 Olympics starting from tomorrow (July 26) as he seeks to defend his men’s javelin throw gold medal.

Neeraj, who made history as the first Indian to win an Olympic gold in athletics at Tokyo 2020, will compete on Aug. 6 and 8.

At the other end of the age spectrum, 44-year-old tennis star Rohan Bopanna will be the oldest Indian athlete at the Games, while 14-year-old swimmer Dhinidhi Desinghu will be the youngest competitor. India’s campaign kicks off on July 25 with the archery ranking rounds, featuring a six-member team including Deepika Kumari and Tarundeep Rai.

Following a record-breaking performance at Tokyo 2020, where India won seven medals (one gold, two silvers, and four bronze), the country enters Paris 2024 with high expectations. The Indian men’s hockey team, which ended a 41-year medal drought with a bronze in Tokyo, will aim to build on their success and provide a fitting farewell to legendary goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh, who will retire after       the Games.

Prominent athletes like weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, badminton star PV Sindhu, and boxer Lovlina Borgohain will also be key contenders. Young talents including hurdler Jyothi Yarraji, badminton players Lakshya Sen, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, and Chirag Shetty, world champion boxer Nikhat Zareen, tennis player Sumit Nagal, shooter Manu Bhaker, athletes Avinash Sable, and wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Antim Panghal, golfer Aditi Ashok will also seek to make their mark.

India has sent a total of 117 athletes to the Paris Olympics, second-biggest contingent at an Olympic Games after 121 athletes went to Tokyo in 2021. A total of 47 female and 70 male athletes will be part of the Indian contingent at the Games.