The year 2024 will forever be etched in the hearts of Indian sports fans as a time of unprecedented triumphs and memorable performances. From a long-awaited cricket World Cup victory to Olympic medals and chess world championships, Indian athletes excelled on various fronts, setting new milestones and breaking records.

Four key dates--June 29, July 30, December 12, and December 28--defined a remarkable year for Indian sports. The country's intent to host the 2036 Olympics also marked a significant step toward transforming its sporting landscape.

Cricket’s Golden Year

In June, the Indian cricket team led by Rohit Sharma finally lifted the ICC World Cup trophy after years of heartbreak in knockout matches. This victory reaffirmed India’s dominance as a cricket powerhouse both on and off the field.

However, the year wasn't without setbacks. India’s 12-year unbeaten streak in Test series on home soil ended with a shocking 0-3 defeat to New Zealand. On the administrative front, India solidified its influence in global cricket governance with Jay Shah assuming the ICC chairmanship.

Olympic Brilliance and Near Misses

The Paris Olympics brought six medals for India, including one silver and five bronze. Notable among them was shooter Manu Bhaker, who became the first Indian to win two Olympic medals in a single edition. Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra added a silver to his Tokyo gold, although Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem edged him out with a record-breaking performance.

India's men's hockey team claimed a second consecutive bronze medal, demonstrating consistency after a long medal drought. Shooter Swapnil Kusale, wrestler Aman Sehrawat, and the dynamic duo of Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh also brought glory with their performances. However, six near-misses in events like weightlifting, badminton, and wrestling underscored the need for further improvement.

Chess: A Banner Year

Indian chess reached unprecedented heights in 2024. D. Gukesh became the youngest-ever FIDE world champion at 18, dethroning China’s Ding Liren. Koneru Humpy secured her second Women’s Rapid World Championship title, showcasing her incredible comeback after a maternity break.

The year also saw India’s men’s and women’s teams winning their first-ever Chess Olympiad golds, solidifying the country’s dominance in the sport. Viswanathan Anand’s quiet mentoring behind the scenes played a crucial role in nurturing young talents like Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, and Divya Deshmukh, who continue to elevate Indian chess on the global stage.

Unstoppable Para Athletes

India’s para-athletes delivered their best-ever performance at the Paris Paralympics, winning a record 29 medals, including seven golds. Stars like Avani Lekhara, Sumit Antil, and Mariyappan Thangavelu emerged as new icons, leading India to an impressive 18th-place finish in the overall standings.

Historic Firsts in Table Tennis and Tennis

The Indian women’s table tennis team made history by clinching a bronze medal at the Asian Table Tennis Championships in Kazakhstan. Meanwhile, veteran tennis player Rohan Bopanna lifted the Australian Open men’s doubles title at the age of 44, inspiring a new generation of players.

The Road Ahead

While 2024 brought plenty of reasons to celebrate, challenges remain. Wrestling, once a dominant sport, struggled due to administrative chaos. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) was marred by internal conflicts, affecting decision-making and progress. Despite these hurdles, the ambition to host the 2036 Olympics and a promising generation of athletes signal a bright future for Indian sports.