Badminton stars PV Sindhu, HS Prannoy, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, boxing champion Nikhat Zareen, table tennis debutant Sreeja Akula, and shooting sensation Esha Singh are the six Hyderabadis representing India at the Paris Olympics 2024
Hyderabad’s presence at the 2024 Olympics is not just noteworthy but pivotal, with its athletes poised to leave a significant mark across various disciplines. Among the standout stars are badminton duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, who have recently reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the BWF rankings following a stellar victory at the Thailand Open 2024. As they gear up for Paris 2024, they remain strong contenders for Olympic glory, having secured bronze at the World Championships and clinched two Commonwealth Games titles.
Joining them from the world of badminton is PV Sindhu, the formidable force who stands at World No. 13. Sindhu, a proven performer on the global stage, is set to commence her Olympic journey in Group M. With her track record and skill set, she is expected to dominate her group and advance deep into the tournament. Similarly, HS Prannoy, another stalwart from Hyderabad, holds the same global ranking and will be competing in Group K, aiming to showcase his prowess and advance past the initial stages.
Shifting gears to the realm of boxing, Nikhat Zareen emerges as a prime contender in the women’s 50 kg category. With two consecutive world championships under her belt, she commands respect and attention not only in Telangana but across the boxing world. Her sights are set on securing a medal at Paris 2024, which could potentially make her the first Indian female athlete to claim an Olympic gold medal.
Making her Olympic debut in table tennis is the promising Sreeja Akula. Known for her resilience and ability to turn matches around, Sreeja brings a fresh energy to the Indian contingent. Her inclusion underscores India’s depth in table tennis and her potential to surprise opponents in both team and individual events.
In the domain of shooting, Esha Singh represents the future of Indian marksmanship. At just 13 years old, she became the youngest Arjuna awardee and National Champion, showcasing her prodigious talent early on. Ranked fourth globally in shooting, Esha’s performance at the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, where she secured the highest medal tally for an Indian female shooter, further cements her status as a contender to watch at Paris 2024.
As these athletes from Hyderabad prepare to compete on the grandest stage of them all, they carry not only their personal ambitions but also the hopes of a nation eager for Olympic success. Each brings a unique blend of skill, determination, and resilience, poised to make Hyderabad—and India—proud at the 2024 Olympics.
PV Sindhu will be the flag bearer at the opening ceremony – and she and other players will be wearing ceremonial dresses created by designer Tarun Tahiliani. Paris Olympics start from July 26, 2024.
