Competing in the Olympics is the pinnacle of achievement for athletes worldwide, with the ultimate dream being to secure a coveted medal. However, finishing just shy of the podium can be disheartening, as it signifies a near-miss of one’s lifelong goal.

Paris 2024 Olympics Medal Preview – Chaumet, Paris, France – February 1, 2024 A Paris 2024 Olympic Games gold medal is seen on display with Paralympic Games gold and silver medals at Chaumet jewellery REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

At the halfway mark of the Paris Olympics, India has secured three medals, yet the tally could have been higher if not for the narrow misses of five athletes who finished in the heart-wrenching fourth position in their respective events.

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Indian Athletes Who Missed Medals by Finishing Fourth at Paris Olympics 2024

Despite the intense preparation and determination, several Indian athletes found themselves just one step away from glory. Lakshya Sen, Maheshwari Chauhan, and Anant Jeet Singh Naruka are among those who narrowly missed out, finishing just short of the podium. In addition to them, Manu Bhaker, Arjun Babuta, and the duo of Dhiraj Bommadevara and Ankita Bhakat also ended their campaigns in fourth place.

Paris 2024 Olympics – Badminton – Men’s Singles Group play stage – Porte de La Chapelle Arena, Paris, France – July 31, 2024. Lakshya Sen of India in action during the Group L match against Jonatan Christie of Indonesia. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed

Heartbreak at the Paris Olympics 2024

Here is a look at the Indian athletes who came agonizingly close to winning medals at the Paris Olympics:

Manu Bhaker (Women’s 25m Pistol): Despite a stellar performance, Bhaker fell just short of securing a medal, finishing in fourth place.
Arjun Babuta (Men’s 10m Air Rifle Shooting): Babuta demonstrated remarkable skill and precision but was unable to clinch a spot on the podium.
Dhiraj Bommadevara and Ankita Bhakat (Mixed Team Archery): The archery duo showcased their synergy and talent, yet narrowly missed a medal.
Lakshya Sen (Men’s Singles Badminton): Sen’s valiant efforts in the badminton singles event saw him fall just short of a medal.
Maheshwari Chauhan and Anant Jeet Singh Naruka (Skeet Mixed Team): The mixed team’s strong performance was not enough to secure a podium finish.

FILE PHOTO: Paris 2024 Olympics – Shooting – 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team Bronze Medal – Chateauroux Shooting Centre, Deols, France – July 30, 2024. Manu Bhaker of India reacts. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky/File Photo

Historical Context of Fourth-Place Finishes

India has a history of athletes who have finished in fourth place at the Olympics, demonstrating the fine margins that separate triumph from disappointment:

Randhir Shinde (Antwerp 1920, Men’s 54kg Freestyle Wrestling): One of the earliest instances of a near-miss for India.
Keshav Mangave (Helsinki 1952, Men’s 62kg Freestyle Wrestling): Another close finish in the early years of India’s Olympic journey.
Indian Men’s Football Team (Melbourne 1956): The football team’s performance was notable, yet not enough to secure a medal.
Milkha Singh (Rome 1960, Men’s 400m Athletics): A legendary figure, Singh’s fourth-place finish remains one of the most talked-about moments in Indian Olympic history.
Prem Nath (Rome 1972, Men’s 57kg Freestyle Wrestling) and Sudesh Kumar (Munich 1972, Men’s 52kg Freestyle Wrestling): Both wrestlers came heartbreakingly close.
PT Usha (Los Angeles 1984, Women’s 400m Hurdles): Usha’s fourth-place finish is remembered as one of the narrowest misses in Indian sports.
Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi (Athens 2004, Men’s Doubles Tennis): The iconic tennis duo’s fourth-place finish was a significant moment.
Kunjarani Devi (Athens 2004, Women’s 48kg Weightlifting): Devi’s strong performance just missed the mark.
Joydeep Karmakar (London 2012, Men’s 50m Rifle Prone Shooting): Karmakar’s effort was commendable, but not quite enough for a medal.
Abhinav Bindra (Rio 2016, Men’s 10m Air Rifle Shooting) and Sania Mirza/Rohan Bopanna (Rio 2016, Mixed Doubles Tennis): Both narrowly missed podium finishes.
Dipa Karmakar (Rio 2016, Women’s Vault Gymnastics): Karmakar’s fourth-place finish was a milestone in Indian gymnastics.
Aditi Ashok (Tokyo 2020, Women’s Golf) and Indian Women’s Hockey Team (Tokyo 2020): Both performances were remarkable but ended just short of medals.

FILE PHOTO: India’s Abhinav Bindra, winner of the men’s 10m air rifle shooting event at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, July 25, 2014. REUTERS/Russell Cheyne/File Photo

Iconic Near Misses

Milkha Singh (Rome 1960, Men’s 400m Race): After a disappointing debut at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, Singh worked tirelessly towards the Rome Olympics. Leading the race initially, a split-second decision to slow down cost him dearly, and he finished fourth by a mere fraction of a second.
Dipa Karmakar (Rio 2016, Gymnastics): Although she did not win a medal, Karmakar’s fourth-place finish was a monumental achievement, as she became the first Indian woman gymnast to compete in the Olympics.

While these athletes may not have secured medals, their efforts and near-misses are a testament to their skill, dedication, and the fine margins that define Olympic success. Their stories continue to inspire and highlight the incredible journey of representing India on the global stage.