Page 12 - Masala Lite Issue 164 August 2024

12 TRENDING NOW

PARIS ATHLETIC TRIUMPHS

BOUND consistently captured the nation’s imagination
Indian Summer Olympic athletes have

with their remarkable performances on the
global stage. Athletes like Neeraj Chopra, who
clinched the gold medal in the javelin throw
at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games,
have not only brought glory to the country
but also inspired generations. P.V. Sindhu,
A comprehensive look at the first Indian woman to win two Olympic
the Indian and Thai Olympic medals in badminton, showcased exceptional
skill and determination in securing silver at
endeavours, and contestants to both the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Summer
Olympic Games. Mirabai Chanu’s silver medal
look out for. in weightlifting at Tokyo 2020 underscored
her strength and resilience. These athletes,
among others, have become symbols of India’s
BY VENESA DASWANI growing prowess in sports, demonstrating
that with talent, dedication, and support,
Indian athletes can compete and excel at the
s the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games have begun, highest levels of international competition.
the spotlight is shining on a new generation of athletes
from India and Thailand. These dynamic contenders are Similarly, Thailand has produced several
set to bring a whirlwind of excitement, energy, and exceptional remarkable Olympic athletes who have made
talent to the global stage. From the bustling streets of Bangkok significant impacts on the international stage.
to the vibrant cities of India, these sports stars have honed their Among them is weightlifter Sukanya Srisurat,
skills with relentless dedication and passion. With a rich mosaic who won a gold medal in the Women’s 58kg
of cultures and a shared spirit of determination, the athletes from category at the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic
these two nations are ready to make history with every stride, Games, showcasing Thailand’s prowess in
swing, and leap. As we get ready to cheer for the Indian and Thai weightlifting. Another standout athlete is
athletes aiming for gold in Paris, Masala has taken a deep dive into Panipak Wongpattanakit, a taekwondo
both of the countries’ Summer practitioner who secured a gold medal
Olympics journeys, highlighting in the Women’s 49kg category at Tokyo
their beginnings, triumphs, 2020, demonstrating exceptional skills and
impact, and predictions for the dedication. In boxing, Thailand’s Somluck
games to come. Kamsing made history by becoming the first
Thai athlete to win an Olympic gold medal,
achieving this feat at the Atlanta 1996
Summer Olympics.
OLYMPIC DEBUTS

India and Thailand have both
participated in the Summer Olympic Games CULTURAL IMPACT
since the early 20th century, marking
significant milestones in their sports
histories. India made their Olympic debut in The Olympics serve as a global stage
1900, with Norman Pritchard winning two where athletes from diverse backgrounds
silver medals in athletics. However, it was in come together, embodying international
1920 that India began regular participation, unity and competition. For countries like
becoming especially noted for its dominance Thailand and India, the Paris 2024 Summer
in field hockey, winning eight gold medals Olympics is a profound opportunity for
between 1928 and 1980. Meanwhile, Thailand cultural representation and national pride,
entered the Olympic arena in 1952, and has with emerging athletes carrying the hopes
since become particularly strong in boxing, of their nations. The participation of these
weightlifting, and taekwondo, earning their athletes promotes cultural exchanges and
first gold medal in boxing in 1996. Both nations inspires future generations, highlighting their
have seen their athletes achieve notable countries’ commitment to sports development
success, reflecting their growing investment and the celebration of cultural diversity, to
in sports and international competition. enrich the global community.

MASAL A LITE ISSUE 164 - AUGUST 2024