Paris Olympics fact box: Youngest and oldest Indian athlete, best medal hopes, athletics largest contingent

The Union Sports Minister has encouraged the athletes to be ready to deliver their best performances without facing the pressure of expectation

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president P T Usha has expressed support for the government's plan to bid for the 2036 Olympics following India's record-breaking performance at the Hangzhou Asian Games. India won a total of 107 medals, including 28 gold, surpassing their previous best of 70 medals in 2018.

India's performance at the Hangzhou Asian Games has been historic, with the country winning a record 107 medals. This success has raised hopes of a best-ever Olympic performance in Paris next year. Indian athletes exceeded expectations in events such as shooting and archery, and the fourth-place finish in Hangzhou is a testament to their determination and hard work. Athletics and shooting contributed the most medals, while India also regained gold in kabaddi and men's hockey. Controversy marred some moments, but overall, the Games showcased the talent and potential of Indian athletes.

When your Olympic champions are on the road protesting for weeks on end, the country is the loser in front of the world. This isnt the idea of India that we stand for. For a country that aspires to host the Olympic Games in a decade and a Youth Olympic Games even earlier, the least it can do is protect the dignity of its athletes.

The tour of Bangladesh holds great significance for the Indian team as it serves as a vital preparation for the Asian Games scheduled for September in Hangzhou, China. In light of this, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced some significant changes to the squad. Renuka Singh Thakur and Richa Gosh are notable absentees, but there has been no official clarification regarding their absence. Additionally, veteran pacer Shikha Pandey has been left out, providing an opportunity for new players to showcase their talent.

Asian Games 2023 News: India have won 61 medals at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, with shooters leading the medal rush with 22 medals. The shooters have won seven

Sharath Kamal, India's ace table tennis player, will carry the Indian flag at the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking his fifth and final Olympics appearance. Kamal, ranked World No. 88, holds a record 10 national table tennis championship titles and has secured 13 medals at the Commonwealth Games, including seven golds. He has also earned two medals at the Asian Games and is a three-time bronze medalist at the World Championships. In other appointments, MC Mary Kom, a six-time World Champion and Olympic bronze medalist, has been named the chef de mission for the Indian contingent.

Countries such as Mexico, Poland and Turkey have also expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics, which will go through a formal bidding process. | Latest News India

India, on Saturday, which is the penultimate day of the 19th Asian Games, won its 100th medal at the Games for the first time ever.