President Murmu Applauds Indian Paris Olympics Contingent at Rashtrapati Bhavan

President Droupadi Murmu praised the Indian Paris Olympics participants at Rashtrapati Bhavan, commending their six-medal haul. Highlights included Manu Bhaker's historic performance and a silver by Neeraj Chopra. Union Sports Minister Mandaviya and IOA President PT Usha attended, with prospects of another medal pending CAS decision.

President Droupadi Murmu met members of the Indian contingent for the Paris Olympics at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, on Wednesday. The gathering took place at the Ganatantra Mandap within the presidential estate.

The President congratulated the athletes on their impressive efforts and achievements, noting their role as inspirations to the nation's youth, especially budding sports talent, according to a social media post by Rashtrapati Bhavan. The event was also attended by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha.

India concluded its Paris Olympics campaign with six medals: five bronze and one silver. The tally might increase to seven if the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) awards wrestler Vinesh Phogat a silver medal. Notably, the men's hockey team secured consecutive bronze medals for the first time in 52 years, following their 2-1 victory over Spain.

A key highlight was the performance of star shooter Manu Bhaker, who became the first Indian athlete in the post-independence era to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics, surpassing a feat previously held by Norman Pritchard from the 1900 Paris Games.

In the women's 10m air pistol event, Bhaker won a bronze, making her the first Indian woman shooter to medal in this event. Together with Sarabjot Singh, she clinched a second bronze in the mixed team 10m air pistol event. Bhaker narrowly missed a third medal, finishing fourth in the women's 25m pistol event. Swapnil Kusale added another bronze for India in the men's 50m rifle 3P event.

India's javelin throw specialist, Neeraj Chopra, missed defending his Tokyo gold but secured a silver with an 89.45m throw. Wrestler Aman Sehrawat also made waves by winning a bronze medal in his Olympic debut, dominating Puerto Rico's Darian Cruz with a 13-5 victory.

(With inputs from agencies.)