Total Medals Won By India in Olympics History [1990-Present]

India’s Olympic history is a tale of perseverance, talent, and remarkable achievements. From its debut in 1900 to the Paris Games in 2024, Total medals won by India in Olympics history is 38 medals till date. This Sports Culture article explores India’s Olympic journey, breaking it down into three distinct periods: 1900-1952, 1956-2000, and 2004-2024.

All Medals Won By India in Olympics History

Athlete Name	Medal	Event	Year	Hosting Country
Norman Pritchard	Silver	200m	1900	France
Norman Pritchard	Silver	200m Hurdles	1900	France
Indian Hockey Team	Gold	Hockey	1928	Netherlands
Indian Hockey Team	Gold	Hockey	1932	USA
Indian Hockey Team	Gold	Hockey	1936	Germany
Indian Hockey Team	Gold	Hockey	1948	UK
Indian Hockey Team	Gold	Hockey	1952	Finland
Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav	Bronze	Wrestling	1952	Finland
Indian Hockey Team	Gold	Hockey	1956	Australia
Indian Hockey Team	Silver	Hockey	1960	Italy
Indian Hockey Team	Gold	Hockey	1964	Japan
Indian Hockey Team	Bronze	Hockey	1968	Mexico
Indian Hockey Team	Bronze	Hockey	1972	Germany
Indian Hockey Team	Gold	Hockey	1980	USSR
Leander Paes	Bronze	Tennis	1996	USA
Karnam Malleswari	Bronze	Weightlifting	2000	Australia
Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore	Silver	Shooting	2004	Greece
Abhinav Bindra	Gold	Shooting	2008	China
Vijender Singh	Bronze	Boxing	2008	China
Sushil Kumar	Bronze	Wrestling	2008	China
Gagan Narang	Bronze	Shooting	2012	UK
Vijay Kumar	Silver	Shooting	2012	UK
Saina Nehwal	Bronze	Badminton	2012	UK
Mary Kom	Bronze	Boxing	2012	UK
Sushil Kumar	Silver	Wrestling	2012	UK
Yogeshwar Dutt	Bronze	Wrestling	2012	UK
PV Sindhu	Silver	Badminton	2016	Brazil
Sakshi Malik	Bronze	Wrestling	2016	Brazil
Mirabai Chanu	Silver	Weightlifting	2020	Japan
Neeraj Chopra	Gold	Javelin	2020	Japan
PV Sindhu	Bronze	Badminton	2020	Japan
Lovlina Borgohain	Bronze	Boxing	2020	Japan
Bajrang Punia	Bronze	Wrestling	2020	Japan
Ravi Kumar Dahiya	Silver	Wrestling	2020	Japan
Indian Men’s Hockey Team	Bronze	Hockey	2020	Japan
Manu Bhaker	Bronze	Shooting	2024	France
Manu Bhaker-Sarabjot Singh	Bronze	Shooting	2024	France
Swapnil Kusale	Bronze	Shooting	2024	France

Olympics Medals Won by India Between 1900 – 1952

Early Beginnings: 1900

India’s Olympic journey began in 1900 when Norman Pritchard won two silver medals in athletics. Pritchard’s medals were significant as they marked India’s first foray into the global sporting arena. He competed in the 200 meters and 200 meters hurdles, making history as the first Asian to win an Olympic medal.

The Dominance of Indian Hockey: 1928 – 1952

The period between 1928 and 1952 is often referred to as the golden era of Indian hockey. The Indian men’s hockey team established itself as a formidable force, winning six consecutive gold medals.

• 1928 Amsterdam Olympics: India won its first gold medal in hockey, defeating the Netherlands in the final.
• 1932 Los Angeles Olympics: The team continued its dominance, securing another gold by defeating the United States.
• 1936 Berlin Olympics: The victory over Germany in the finals further solidified India’s supremacy.
• 1948 London Olympics: This win was particularly special as it was India’s first Olympic gold post-independence.
• 1952 Helsinki Olympics: The team continued its winning streak, defeating the Netherlands in the final.

The Indian hockey team’s prowess during these years was unmatched, with legendary players like Dhyan Chand becoming household names.

Olympics Medals Won by India Between 1956 – 2000

Sustained Hockey Success and First Individual Medals

The period from 1956 to 2000 saw India maintaining its stronghold in hockey while also achieving notable individual successes.

• 1956 Melbourne Olympics: India won its sixth consecutive gold in hockey, defeating Pakistan.
• 1960 Rome Olympics: India secured a silver medal, losing to Pakistan in the final.
• 1964 Tokyo Olympics: India reclaimed the gold, defeating Pakistan in a thrilling final.
• 1968 Mexico City Olympics: India won a bronze medal in hockey.
• 1972 Munich Olympics: Another bronze in hockey highlighted India’s continued presence in the sport.

First Individual Medal in Wrestling

• 1952 Helsinki Olympics: Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav won India’s first individual Olympic medal post-independence, a bronze in wrestling.

The Bronze in Field Hockey

• 1980 Moscow Olympics: India won its last gold medal in hockey, defeating Spain in the final.

Emergence of New Sports

The latter part of this period saw India achieving success in other sports as well.

• 1996 Atlanta Olympics: Leander Paes won a bronze medal in tennis, marking India’s first individual medal in over four decades.

Olympics Medals Won by India Between 2004 – 2024

The Turn of the Century: New Sports and New Stars

The 21st century has seen a diversification in the sports in which India has excelled, with athletes achieving success across various disciplines.

• 2000 Sydney Olympics: Karnam Malleswari won a bronze in weightlifting, becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal.

Shooting Stars and Boxing Champs

• 2004 Athens Olympics: Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore won a silver in shooting, marking India’s first individual silver medal.
• 2008 Beijing Olympics: Abhinav Bindra won India’s first individual gold in shooting. Vijender Singh secured a bronze in boxing, and Sushil Kumar won a bronze in wrestling.
• 2012 London Olympics: A landmark event where India won six medals, the highest at that time. Gagan Narang and Vijay Kumar won medals in shooting, Saina Nehwal won a bronze in badminton, Mary Kom won a bronze in boxing, and Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt won medals in wrestling.
• 2016 Rio Olympics: PV Sindhu won a silver in badminton, Sakshi Malik secured a bronze in wrestling, and Dipa Karmakar narrowly missed out on a medal in gymnastics.

Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024: The New Era of Success

• 2020 Tokyo Olympics: Neeraj Chopra made history by winning a gold in javelin, the first for India in track and field. PV Sindhu won a bronze in badminton, and Mirabai Chanu won a silver in weightlifting. The men’s hockey team won a bronze, ending a 41-year medal drought. Lovlina Borgohain won a bronze in boxing, and Bajrang Punia secured a bronze in wrestling. Ravi Kumar Dahiya won a silver in wrestling.
• 2024 Paris Olympics: The momentum continued with more successes in shooting, wrestling, and badminton, marking a period of unprecedented achievement for Indian athletes.

Story of Wining Medals in Olympics Continues

India’s Olympic journey from 1900 to 2024 is a testament to the nation’s growing prowess in sports. From the early days of Norman Pritchard to the modern-day heroes like Neeraj Chopra and PV Sindhu, Indian athletes have made their mark on the world stage. The diversification of sports in which India has excelled is particularly noteworthy, showcasing the country’s broadening talent pool and commitment to excellence. As we look forward to future Olympics, the hope and expectation for more medals and moments of glory remain high.