As we near the Tokyo 2020, let’s take a look at India’s strongest medal prospects which range from legendary pugilist Mary Kom to Vinesh Phogat, the famous wrestler from Phogat family. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics will host the biggest contingent from India and while star athletes like Sushil Kumar and Saina Nehwal will be missing the action, India is looking to be the contingent to beat.
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A billion hearts will be beating together and billions of eyes will be stuck at the television, cheering for the Indian contingent at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. After the “will they host – won’t they host” deliberation by the Indian fans, the Tokyo administration will be hosting hundreds of countries for the most elite athletic competition in the world from July 23.
As many as 228 athletes will be making a strong Indian contingent for the upcoming edition of the Olympics. The athletes will be competing for as many as 86 medal events where a Gold, a Silver and a Bronze medal will be awaiting the best of the best.
India’s chances of winning a medal are statistically strong as the contingent of 228 athletes will be its largest contingent. The contingent comprises of 67 male athletes and 52 female athletes. With that said, let’s look at the-
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Best Tokyo Olympic Medal Prospects from India
1) Mary Kom – 51 KG Boxing Event
Indian Boxer Mary Kom | Image Credit: Mary Kom Instagram Account
Who better than the former Olympic medalist to kick off the list? The mother of 4 won her last Olympic in the 2012 London Olympics. The Tokyo Olympics may also be Mary’s last one owing to her age. She has won the World Championship in boxing not once or twice or thrice but 6 times. Her last appearance at the Asian Boxing Championship earned her a Silver Medal and it would be interesting to see whether she is able to continue on his rich form.
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2) Mirabai Chanu – 49 KG Weight Lifting
Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu | Image Credit: Khel Now
If qualified, Chanu will be the country’s first weightlifting representative after Karnam Malleswari, who won the Bronze medal in Sydney Olympics, 2000. A former World Champion, Chanu is currently the world’s 4th ranked weightlifter in her weight category. Interestingly, the lifters ranked above her will not be making it to this year’s Olympics and she may bring a medal, if all goes right and an upset is not pulled.
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3) Bajrang Punia – 65 KG Freestyle Wrestling
Indian Wrestler Bajrang Punia | Image Credit: Punia’s Instagram Account
Bajrang is currently one of the most renowned wrestlers in the circuit who’s the only Indian wrestler to have won the 3 medals in World Wrestling Championships. He’s currently second-seeded in his division and thanks to his consistent performances, he is a strong medal contender. As he’s second-seeded, he will not meet the current world champion till the final, making his journey less turbulent.
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4) Vinesh Phogat – 53 KG Freestyle Wrestling
Indian Wrestler Vinesh Phogat | Image Credit: Amit Saroha
Representation the Photgat family – which comprises of the famous Phogat sisters Geeta and Babita, Vinesh will be bearing the heavy weight of expectations thanks to both her last name and her previous performances. The 26-year-old wrestler will be entering the wrestling ring as the current world number 1 in her weight division. She’s also the top-seed thanks to her Gold at the Poland Open wrestling tournament and the Matteo Pellicone Ranking Series.
