GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS BY INDIA IN SPORTS SINCE 1947

With the Olympics happening this year in Paris, we are beaming with tri-colour pride. As the athletes representing India proudly display the flag and their talents, it's about time we looked back at how significant India has been in the realm of sports. It's been 77 years since Independence, with glorious victories by exceptional athletes. India has come a long way since 1947, especially in dominating the sports scene across the globe. Despite also facing lows, India has never given up and risen at the world's best sporting events. From gold medals at the Olympics to winning the T20 Cricket World Cup, here are the highlights of India's sporting achievements.

- Bidisha Mitra

THE 1983 CRICKET WORLD CUP

We all know how much cricket is deeply woven into the fabric of Indian culture and has a massive following across the nation. Before 1983, India's cricketing achievements were modest compared to other cricketing powerhouses like Australia, England, and West Indies. The Indian cricket team had participated in two previous World Cups (1975 and 1979) but had not advanced far in the tournaments.

The 1983 Cricket World Cup, officially known as the Prudential Cup, was held in England from June 9 to June 25. India, under the captaincy of Kapil Dev, embarked on a journey that would transform the nation's cricketing landscape. India was bowled out for 183 runs but managed to dismiss the West Indies for 140 runs, with Mohinder Amarnath's all-round performance being the highlight.

OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALS (1928, 1932, 1936) IN HOCKEY

India's hockey team was a dominant force in the sport's early years. Led by legendary figures like Dhyan Chand, the team won three consecutive Olympic gold medals. 1928 Amsterdam Olympics: India, under the captaincy of Jaipal Singh, won gold, with Dhyan Chand scoring the majority of the goals. 1932 Los Angeles Olympics: India, with a team led by the legendary Dhyan Chand, dominated the field and won the gold medal. 1936 Berlin Olympics: Despite the political tension, India continued its dominance, winning gold with Dhyan Chand's exceptional performances.

ABHINAV BINDRA: GOLD MEDAL IN SHOOTING IN 2008