The wait is over and the biggest sporting event is very near. It's only one month and few days before the much waited and anticipated Tokyo Olympics 2020 takes place at Tokyo, Japan. Therefor, it gives an opportunity to take a look at India's top 10 medal contender at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

When will the Tokyo Olympics 2020 start?

Due to COVID the 2020 Olympics were postponed, and the now the Tokyo Olympics will start from 23rd July 2021. It will run till 8th August, 2021.

Indian athletes qualified for the Tokyo Olympics 2020

Till now more than 80 athletes have qualified for the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Bhawana Jat became the first Indian women to qualify in the 20-kilometre race. Meanwhile, Bhavani Dev is the first Indian fencer to qualify for any Olympics games.

Along with them, Fouaad Mirza is the first Indian equestrian to qualify for the Games in 20 years. But there were some huge disappointments also as star athletes like Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikant is yet to qualify. Sprinters Hima Das and Dutee Chand also failed to qualify. Though they will be performing in the 4*100 mixed relay, which has qualified for the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

Read Also: Indian Athletes Qualified for 2020 Olympics in Tokyo: In Detail

India's top 10 medal contender at Tokyo Olympics 2020

India has been doing well in the international circuit over the few recent years. The 2012 London Olympics was the best of them all. However, Rio Olympics was not that successful as every Indian thought that to be. With nearly 100 crore people (1 Billion), and talented athletes from corners of the country, India might hope for its best ever Olympic game in their history.

Therefore, in this context we present you India's top 10 medal contender at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

#1 Saurabh Chaudhary (10 meter air pistol)

Since the times of Rajyavardhan Rathore and Abhinav Bindra, India has claimed a strong position in shooting. With 15 shooters qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics 2020, India can hope for a tally of medals from the shooting.

Recent form

Saurabh has been a consistent performer in the international arena over the last two years. In four World Cups since 2019, Sourabh has won 2 golds (New Delhi 2019, Munich 2019), one silver (New Delhi 2021) and one bronze (Rio de Janeiro 2019). Also, not to forget his silver at the 2019 Asian championships.

Why is he a medal contender?

Well, to be fair to him no one in Indian sports has done well like him in pressure situations. His consistency and experience of winning medals at the World Cups will surely help him, in terms of experience. Moreover, from a statistics point of view, he has made to finals of every tournament he has qualified, and this is a record itself.

#2 Bajrang Punia (Men's Freestyle 65 kg)

Bajrang is currently the biggest name in Indian wrestling. India has done well in wrestling in Olympics in recent years. Sushil Kumar has been a constant name on that list.

Read Also: Sushil Kumar: From Olympic podium to Delhi Police's Wanted criminal

The current world No.1 in his category is well above his competitors. However, he is not letting this get into his ego as he is preparing for the Tokyo games well before the tournament in Russia.

Recent form

Bajrang won the gold medal at the 2019 Asian Championships and has been competing in the world championships since 2018. In fact, he is currently India's most decorated wrestler with three Worlds medals. He is also been the World Champion on the last two occasions.

Why is he a medal contender?

If anyone from Indian wrestling can say is ready for the Olympics, although it is their first Olympics is Bajrang Punia. He is working really hard on his game and also has the capability of winning at the international level. A well known name in India might be a global superstar after the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

#3 Neeraj Chopra (Javelin)

Neeraj Chopra has been a sensation in the Indian sports since the time he threw a record 86.28m in the 2016 Junior World Championship. Ironically, if he threw that in the 2016 Rio Olympics, he might have won the Bronze medal.

Recent form

Neeraj has always shown his talent in every chance he got. Though some injuries raffled him up in 2018, he is fit and strong again to throw more than 85 consistently.

Neeraj threw 87.86m at his Tokyo Olympics qualification. Not only that he then went on to throw 88.07 at the National GP3 in 2021, setting a new national record.

Why is he a medal contender?

Consistent and confident- these are the two adjectives that go very well with Neeraj. He is above 86m. consistently. Even after returning form the injuries he has shown his capabilities of throwing above 86 mark. A near personal best might be enough for India to get its first ever medal in javelin.

#4 Mirabai Chanu (Weightlifting)

Weightlifting is a sports where India has not certainly done well enough in past Olympics. However this time the hopes are very high with Mirabai Chanu up in the rankings.

Chanu has been a constant name in the international lifting competitions. Though, she might have some not so great encounters with Olympic games. However, this time might be Chanu's year as she's been at her peak in recent years.

Recent Form

Mirabai Chany is the current world record holder in clean and jerk. Her 119 kg lift at the Asian Weightlifting Championship in Tashkent made a new world record just a few weeks ago. Not to forget her gold at the Glasgow commonwealth games in 2018.

Why is she a medal contender?

With a recent world record against her name, it is quite obvious that she would be boosting with confidence. Though, he does not have any great record at the Olympics, but she will ready ready for a sweet revenge of the Rio Olympics. Anything near her personal best can make her name into the history books.

#5 Vinesh Phogat (Wrestling, Women's Freestyle 53 kg)

Wrestling will be on focus as India prepares to continue its glory in wrestling at the Olympics. With Bajrang, Vinesh will also be a strong contender to finish at the podium at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. She will also be ready for the Tokyo games as she had picked up an injury at the Rio last time.

Recent form

Vinesh has won in every tournament has participated in since 2018. The 2019 Worlds bronze might be her best of the all. Moreover, a recent win over the former World Champion, Vanessa Kaladzinskay at the Outstanding Ukrainian Wrestlers and Coaches Memorial in Kyiv will make her more confident as well.

Why is she a medal contender?

As North Korea has pulled out themselves from the Tokyo Olympics 2020, Vinesh will be competing in the lesser tough group. Moreover, her recent wins over most of the contenders in her category, will make her a certain medal contender at this year's olympics.

#6 Saurabh Chaudhary and Manu Bhaker (Shooting, 10m Air Pistol Mixed)

If Saurabh is not enough to win a medal at the Tokyo Games, his mixed team with Manu Bhaker might finish at the podium certainly. The 10m Air Pistol Mixed team is a very strong team with two great individual performers at the international circuit.

Recent form

In the four world cups they competed, they have won all of them. In 2019 Rio World Cup, they competed seprately and won with the different partners as well. Saurabh won the silver with Yashasvi Deswal, while Bhaker won the gold with Abhishek Verma.

Why are they medal contenders?

Two strong individuals and already multiple medals at the international level makes this team a string force to recon with. With their recent performances, and medal tally, India can surely hope for a gold from 10. Air Pistol Mixed team.

#7 Divyansh Panwar and Elavenil Valarivan (Shooting, 10m Air Pistol Mixed)

Divyansh Panwar and Elavenil Valarivan are the No.1 ranked shooter in the World. However, Elavenil Valarivan did not qualify for the Tokyo Olympics 2020, but she was included in the team just because she is considered as one of the contenders to win the medal.

Recent form

They both managed to win the 2021 ISSF World Cup and then became the world no. pair in the 10m. air pistol mixed category. Though it would be fair to say that Panwar had the most of the success when he had paired with Anjum Moudgil. Panwar won the bronze at the 2019 World Cup with Ajnum also.

Why are they medal contenders?

They both are ranked no.1 in 10m. air pistol category which makes them one of the strongest pairs in the world. Along with that, their recent success at the 2021 ISSF World cup will surely make them favourites to finish at the podium.

#8 PV Sindhu (Badminton, Women's Singles)

The silver medalist from the Rio Olympics had some tough times in recent years. But, she is long way from finish. Now, with Siana Nehwal and Kidambi Srikant not qualifying for the Olympics, Sindhu will have to perform her best to give India another medal in Badminton.

Recent form

The 25 year old had some very tough periods in recent years. Though her win at the 2019 World Championships will give her good memories to recall. Moreover, recent win over from World No.1 Akane Yamaguchi at the All England will surely make her fans hopefull.

Why is she a medal contender?

Bad performances prior to the Olympics does not bother Sindhu that much. She is someone who performs at the biggest levels and knows how to win as well. A hungry Sindhu might be the perfect recipe for another medal in the badminton.

#9 Amit Panghal (Boxing, Men's, 52kg)

Amit Panghal is the current leader of Indian boxing contingent. The army man has impressed everyone with his performances in recent years and would like to carry the glory of Indian boxing forward.

Recent form

Amit has won silver at the Asian Boxing Championship in Dubai in 2021. He has also won silver in the World Championships. He is also the first and only Indian male boxer to win a world boxing championships silver medal. His silver medal at 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast also proves his calibre to win at the biggest level.

Read Also: Asian Boxing Championship Winners: All the winners from AABC 2021

Why is he a medal contender?

Panghal is the No. 1 ranked boxer in International Boxing Association's (AIBA) 52kg category. This proves how strong he is in his category. With a strength of a youth and experience of winning medals at the international level, makes him a hope for the Indian boxing contingent.

Read Also: A Glimpse of Indian Female Athletes Who Qualified for Tokyo Olympics

#10 Indian Men's Hockey Team (Hockey)

Indian hockey has given the most number of Olympic medals than any other team sports. In the earlier 1950s and 1960s, Indian hockey used to be strongest team in the world. With some recent good performances, fans can hope for a return to glory days for Indian Hockey.

Recent form

The currently ranked world no.5 hockey team has beaten every team in the world in recent years. Recently they have also beaten the current Olympic champion team, Argentina twice in the same tournament.

Why are they medal contenders?

India's qualifying round consists team likes Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Spain. This means they are very likely to go through the qualifying stages. Coming to the knock out stages, with the confidence of beating everyone in the last two years, its anyone's game from then on.

PUMA has roped in the Indian Badminton sensation PV Sindhu as its new brand ambassador, partnering in a multi-year deal. 

The German Sports Apparel brand has chosen India as the first country to expand its orbit in the world of sports, marking its official appearance in Badminton. 

Ahead of the announcement, PUMA has executed a pioneering move, changing its brand signage to 'PVMA'  at several official stores in the country for almost a week.

 

 

 

 

 

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PV Sindhu becomes the new brand ambassador of PUMA 

PV Sindhu is undoubtedly one of the greatest Indian badminton icons of this generation, surging the excitement of the game into millions of fans in India. The two-time Olympic medalist has achieved numerous accolades throughout her career, popularizing the game among Indian sports fanatics.

Sindhu has not only become the first Indian to conquer five badminton world championship medals, but also she has earned noteworthy honours such as the Khel Ratna, Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Arjuna Award.

However, Sindhu's unparalleled achievements have injected interest among the youth, and PUMA has adopted the plan to capitalize on the popularity of the 29-year-old. 

According to the Google-Deloitte Think Sports report from 2024, India has a growing fanbase of Badminton, which stands at nearly 57 million. 

PUMA adopted an unprecedented marketing strategy to draw the interest of Indian sports fans, changing their brand name to 'PVMA' in several stores and many billboards across India for almost a week.

This move left the netizens and fans wondering as some speculated the possibility of onboarding PV Sindhu, whereas the partnership has been made official today. 

Many PUMA stores across India have changed their logo and branding to “PVMA”.
This change can be seen in the Indian website as well.

What’s happening? 👀 🚨 pic.twitter.com/ecPbCe2WzW

— sid (@immasiddx) January 11, 2025

However, The partnership between PUMA and Sindhu will debut at the India Open 2025 in New Delhi. This exciting collaboration will bring a high-performance badminton range soon, featuring specialized footwear, apparel, and accessories. 

Sindhu has expressed her elation regarding this move, stating the following.

I’m excited to join the PUMA family, a brand that shares my belief in the power of sport to inspire. This partnership with PUMA India isn’t just about being part of something bigger—it is an opportunity to connect with those who value pushing boundaries and embracing challenges.

“Badminton has always been a platform for growth and self-discovery for me, and through this collaboration, I hope to encourage others, especially women, to take risks, believe in themselves, and strive for more—both on and off the court,

Karthik Balagopalan, Managing Director of PUMA India, said:

PV Sindhu is a legend and a trailblazer, and we are proud & delighted to welcome her into our PUMA family. She is the most followed badminton athlete in the world. Her extraordinary legacy in Indian sports which includes a lot of historic firsts has not only placed India on the badminton map globally but has also inspired millions, pushed the boundaries, and paved the way for future generations of athletes.

“As we make our first-ever step into badminton, this association will further our goal to increase PUMA’s footprint in the rapidly growing sports landscape in the country, inspiring more youngsters to take up the racquet-sport,

The year 2025 is going to be exciting for Indian sports fans as it promises an action-packed calendar. This includes world events in hockey, squash, boxing, badminton, shooting and cricket, alongside the National Games and Khelo India competitions. The country is set to witness a wide range of sporting events this year. 

Also Read: Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024: Full Winners List

After bidding goodbye to an eventful 2024, an exciting 2025 awaits sports fans as far as India are concerned. India will host several big competitions across sports this year, including the Women’s ODI World Cup and the Para World Athletics Championships.

Apart from hosting competitions, India will also take part in several multi-nation tournaments internationally, including the ICC Champions Trophy which will be held in a hybrid model with matches taking place in Pakistan and UAE.

Also Read: ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule announced

Several Indian athletes and teams, including the likes of Neeraj Chopra and Manu Bhaker, will be in action this year. The India women’s cricket team will hope to end a long wait to possibly clinch the Women’s ODI World Cup.

Here’s the complete list of major sports events in India 2025.

Major sports events in India 2025

Two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra has announced the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career. Neeraj on Saturday announced the appointment of great javelin thrower Jan Zelezny as his new coach.

Also Read: NEERAJ CHOPRA INJURY: A SAGA OF STRAIN, TECHNIQUE, AND RECOVERY

Jan Zelezny, a three-time Olympic and world champion and current world record holder, has long been Chopra's idol. Actually, Neeraj Chopra was working with German coach Klaus Bartonietz till now, but Klaus has recently retired from coaching.

Announcing the new coach, Neeraj said, “Growing up, I admired Jan’s technique and precision and spent a lot of time watching videos of him. He was the best in the sport for so many years, and I believe that working with him will be invaluable because our throwing styles are similar, and his knowledge is unmatched. It’s an honour to have Jan by my side as I push towards the next level in my career, and I can’t wait to get started,” 

Chopra didn't breach 90m mark

Chopra, 26, won a historic gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics and silver at the Paris Olympics 2024, as well as two world championships medals, silver at the 2022 Eugene edition and gold at the 2023 Budapest. However, over the past few years, Chopra has expressed his desire to breach the 90m mark. His alliance with Bartonietz after Paris, where Chopra again failed to hit the 90m mark while Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem won gold with an Olympic record 92.97m.

Also Read: Neeraj Chopra’s best throws: Here are all the top throws by javelin ace Neeraj Chopra

Under Zelezny's guidance, Neeraj will try to take his success to a different level. On this occasion, Jan Zelezny said, “I have already spoken about Neeraj as a great talent many years ago. When I saw him early in his career, I realised great possibilities for top results. I also said that if I should start to coach somebody from outside Czechia, my first choice would be Neeraj. I like his story and I see big potential, as he is young and able to improve."

Zelezny broke WR on four occasions

Jan Zelezny, a gold medalist at the 1992, 1996, and 2000 Olympic Games, has five of the top ten best throws of all time. In 1996, he set a world record in Germany with a throw of 98.48m. He broke the world record on four occasions.

When Chopra won gold at the Tokyo 2020, Zelezny was the coach of both other medalists Jakub Vadlejch (silver) and Vítězslav Veselý (bronze).. He has also coached two-time Olympic champion and three-time world champion Barbora Špotáková.

World Athletics has earlier announced that athletes should wear shoes with a uniform 20-millimeter sole thickness limit for all events. This rule will come into action on November 1st, 2024, marking a notable change in the actions of the athletes.

This rule has been induced to welcome fairness in the game. However, this has sparked controversies. While many athletes have accepted it, some are still in dilemmas about the rule.

Well, let's look at how the rule will impact the performance. However, for now, let's look at the present thickness.

Current Shoe Sole Thickness Rules in Athletics

Presently, there is no such uniformity of sole thickness. Thickness normally varies according to the events in which the athletes participate.

Suppose, in events where an athlete will have run more than 800 meters, shoes are allowed to have a sole up to 25 mm. However, when it comes to shorter distances, the maximum thickness has been limited to 20 mm.

For field events, including the high jump, athletes have a 20mm limit. But for the triple jump, athletes are allowed to wear shoes with soles up to 25mm.

These rules were implemented in January 2022, based on the technological advancements in shoes. However, from 1st November this year, there will be no distinction in sole thickness in different events.

Point to be noted: the rules for road events like marathons and race walks, which permit a 40mm sole thickness, will remain unchanged.

Why is World Athletics enforcing a 20mm sole limit?

The main motto of World Athletics is to ensure fairness. As a result of this, the federation has decided to apply the rule of a uniform 20mm limit to the sole.

In recent years, advances in shoe technology—particularly with thicker soles and carbon fiber plates—have sparked debates about whether these shoes offer athletes some unfair advantage.

Thus, World Athletics created its own Working Group on Athletic Shoes in 2020. The main task of this group is to analyze the impact of shoe technology on performance. They also draft regulations, ensuring that athletes are focusing more on skills and not technology.

The new rule was announced well in advance to give shoe manufacturers ample time to adapt their designs.

Athletes' Reactions to the 20mm Rule Change

Top athletes have had mixed reactions to the upcoming rule. Joshua Cheptegei, the Olympic and World Champion in the 10,000 meters, supports the change, describing it as "for the benefit of the sport."

He added that the thinner soles won’t necessarily lead to slower times, emphasizing that performance is often influenced by an athlete's mindset. Cheptegei also noted that recent shoe technology has aided recovery between training sessions, which could be impacted by the new regulations.

Meanwhile, Muktar Edris, a former two-time 5,000m World Champion, said that a thicker sole helps the athletes, providing them extra "energy" and "push." A reduced sole may hamper a regular action.

The Controversy Surrounding Shoe Technology

The controversy regarding shoe technology is nothing new. Before 2022, the track spikes had soles with thicknesses up to 30 mm.

During the Tokyo Olympics, legendary sprinter Usain Bolt brought this issue to the public, citing the unfair advantage an athlete may receive due to thicker boots. Not only that, but with the increased use of technologically advanced shoes, world records that looked unbreakable are at stake.

Karsten Warholm, the one who holds the World Record in 400m hurdles, also expressed his concern. After winning the gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics, he questioned the boots of the runner-up, Rai Benjamin.

Warholm made serious claims that Benjamin used thicker Nike soles that provided the later an unfair advantage. Warholm's remarks not only concerned the federation but drew attention to the fine line between technological innovation and "technological doping."

The Impact of Shoe Technology on Performance

Eliud Kipchoge, the first athlete who broke the two-hour marathon barrier in 2019, sparked controversies at his time as well. He used the Nike Alphafly, which featured thick soles and carbon plates. However, the nature of the event didn't let that record count. 

Later, World Athletics introduced a rule. It required the new shoes to be in the open market for at least four months prior to the competition. This rule also aspired to thwart athletes with exclusive shoe deals from gaining an unfair advantage.

Will the 20mm sole limit affect athlete performance?

It is not exactly negative, but the athletes will solely depend on their physical abilities and techniques. Yes, a few athletes do consider this to hurt their performance, but just like Cheptegei mentioned, mental resilience and training will play a crucial role in breaking records or achieving personal bests (PB).

Well, a reduced cushion in the sole will demand more energy from the athlete. Thus, athletes need to adjust their training regimes to adapt to the new rules.

World Athletics had mentioned clearly that they want to promote uniformity. They want the athletes to rely on their power and skills, not some technology beneath their feet, that will change and evolve with time. 

However, with shoe manufacturers rushing to adapt their designs, the real test will come when athletes compete under the new regulations in 2024.

The art of javelin throw is a perfect balance of both technique and power. And Neeraj Chopra, who relies mostly on technique, is struggling due to his recurring groin injury With a jam-packed schedule since the last year, he "ignored" the pain, for the sake of participation. However, with a clear window till mid-2025, it is high time for the 2024 Paris Olympics Silver medallist to undergo the required treatment. Additionally, he fractured his hand while practising, during the Brussels Diamond League, thus calling off, for this year, at least.

The Groin Injury: An Unseen Strain Troubling Neeraj Chopra

In 2018, Neeraj Chopra got an inury in his erector muscles which was healed. However, it has resurfaced since last year, at Bhubaneshwar, at the middle of June.

Chopra's physio Ishan Marwah, has been monitoring him closely. he explained the injury in Layman terms- the erector muscles are directly connected to the pelvic bones. Thus the injury is giving strain to the muscles, hampering his normal run up, followed by this throw.

In the most ideal situation, Neeraj would like to increase the speed of his run- up. This needs quicker movement of his right leg and hips. However, the strain is preventing him from doing so, leading to a compromised throwing technique. His block leg, i.e., the left leg, is crucial for delivering power in the final phase of the throw. But with the injury lingering, he’s unable to fully complete that movement. What looks like his signature fall after each throw, is nothing but a visual representation of his technical failures.

Technical Hurdles: The Cascade Effect

As mentioned earlier, javelin is a highly technical sport. The body needs to be in motion and in absolute sync. Neeraj Chopra suffering from groin injury has led to a cascading effect on his entire throwing mechanism. As Ishan explained to multiple sources, his right leg is not performing in the required way. Thus, Chopra falls more on his left, bending it slightly, which is, ideally not good for a powerful throw.

The rule books say, the perfect projectile will get the spear fall centrally or slightly to the right. However, in Chopra’s case, the javelin is turning to the left due to him falling leftward at the end of his throw. This is the major flaw he is having due to the injury.

In the last few outings, Chopra hasn’t been in his signature best form. He has an initial season best in the Olympics Qualifier itself with an impressive throw of at 89.34. He sealed the Olympics silver with 89.49 meters in the finals.

However, his signature "roar" was vividly missing.

Read also: Neeraj Chopra’s best throws: Here are all the top throws by javelin ace Neeraj Chopra

The Chicken and Egg Situation: Neeraj Chopra Sandwiched between Injury and Technique

The groin injury has got Neeraj Chopra in a vicious cycle. The injury is hampering his daily practice routine. As per Marwah, Neeraj earlier has to have 2 to 3 sessions of practice each week. Each session has 35 to 40 throws. With the injury becoming a growing concern, Neeraj had to reduce the no of sessions, each having around 20 throws. Lack of practice is affecting his technique, which is directly causing more strain. Again, Ishan clarified that adequate training is the way to cure the strain. 

Neeraj, Unlike Arshad Nadeem or the Germans, has depended more on technique and not power. He has his shoulder flexibility as his biggest pros, but with the injury in the scene, things got hampered.

However, Marwah is optimistic, hoping that proper medical advice and rehabilitation will fully recover Chopra. The latter is having the right shape, and with proper rehabilitation, he can aim to add an extra 3 to 4 meters to his throw. However, that requires adequate rest, and avoiding risks, which calls for skipping certain competitions.

Neeraj Chopra signs off for 2024, with hand injury

Soon after the Brussels Diamond League, Neeraj Chopra took to his social media handle to inform about his hand injury. He informed, that he had fractured the fourth metacarpal in his left hand during practice. He thus, is calling off his professional participation, for this year. Despite this, Chopra sealed a second position, that too by missing the 24-carat Diamond, by just a centimetre (87.86 m).

As the 2024 season ends, I look back on everything I’ve learned through the year - about improvement, setbacks, mentality and more.

On Monday, I injured myself in practice and x-rays showed that I had fractured the fourth metacarpal in my left hand. It was another painful… pic.twitter.com/H8nRkUkaNM

— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) September 15, 2024

What the future calls

A gold in the Tokyo Olympics has raised the expectations bar to such a level, that whiskers feel like major losses. The present air is more concerned about him touching the magic 90 m Mark, more than him recovering. 

With the groin injury being a major issue, the fracture has gotten Neeraj Chopra an “added advantage” to pull off the curtain for now. As the javelin world awaits to see what comes next for him, one thing is certain: his determination, resilience, and unmatched focus will continue to push him forward. At days, it should be recovery, more than crossing 90 meters on the court.