When was the last Olympics held in India? This is a question that often comes up when discussing the country’s participation in the international sporting event. The answer, surprisingly, dates back to 1964, when the 15th Summer Olympics were held in Tokyo, Japan. Despite being a cricket-loving nation, India has a rich history in various sports and has made significant contributions to the Olympics over the years.
The Indian contingent has been participating in the Olympics since the first edition in 1900. However, it was not until the 1920 Antwerp Olympics that India won its first medal, a bronze in the field hockey event. Since then, India has consistently been a strong competitor in field hockey, with several gold medals to its name. Apart from field hockey, India has also won medals in shooting, wrestling, boxing, and archery.
The 1964 Tokyo Olympics marked a special occasion for India as it was the first time the country hosted an international sporting event of such magnitude. The Indian team, led by hockey legend Dhyan Chand, performed exceptionally well, winning a silver medal in the hockey event. This achievement was a testament to the nation’s prowess in the sport and the dedication of its athletes.
However, since the 1964 Olympics, India has not hosted another major international sporting event. The country has been striving to improve its infrastructure and sports facilities to be able to host such events in the future. The 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, and the 2022 Asian Games in New Delhi are examples of India’s efforts to host international sporting events.
In recent years, India has been making strides in various sports, with athletes like Neeraj Chopra, Mirabai Chanu, and PV Sindhu winning medals in track and field, weightlifting, and badminton, respectively. These successes have put India back on the map of international sports, and the nation is hopeful of performing well in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.
While the last Olympics held in India was in 1964, the country’s sports enthusiasts and athletes are working tirelessly to bring glory to the nation in future editions of the Games. With the right infrastructure, support, and dedication, India is well on its way to achieving its dream of hosting another Olympics and showcasing its sporting talents to the world.
