Top 5 countries with the biggest shooting contingents at Paris 2024 Olympics
The Paris Olympics 2024 is hardly 40 days away. On July 26, after a brilliant opening ceremony, the City of Light will start hosting various sports over the next 17 days. One of the main attractions for the Summer Games is the shooting event, where athletes from over 100 countries participate.
Shooting has always been a major event, with it being a part of the Summer Games since the 1896 Athens Olympics. However, on two occasions the sport was excluded - 1904 and 1928. This time out, a total of 340 athletes (170 men and 170 women) will take part across various disciplines and will aim to make their country proud by bringing home some medals.
On that note, let’s take a look at the countries which have the biggest shooting contingents at the Paris Olympics.
#1 China
China have earned a total of 67 medals in shooting at the Olympics ever since their participation began at the showpiece event. This includes 26 gold medals, 16 silver medals and 25 bronze medals. This statistic is a testament to the importance China has given to the sport and also highlights their excellence in the events.
This time out, China will be fielding 22 athletes across various shooting disciplines and will aim for a good number of medals. Some of the top shooters to take the pitch will be Li Yuehong and Han Jiayu.
#2 India
Although India have the second-largest contingent of 21 shooters at the Paris Olympics, their past performances and records are not similar to China. Compared to China’s 67 shooting medals, India to date have won only four. The only gold medal was won by Abhinav Bindra at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the 10m air rifle discipline.
The other three medals were won by Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (silver at 2004 Athens Olympics), Gagan Narang (bronze at 2012 London Games) and Vijay Kumar (silver at 2012 London Games).
Some of the top athletes who’ll take part this time are Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh.
#3 USA
The USA till date has bagged 116 medals in shooting, out of which 57 are gold. They are followed by China and Russia in terms of the overall tally. This time out, the country will witness 19 shooters at the Paris Olympics, with three-time gold-medalist Vincent Hancock leading the charge.
#4 France
France has won a total of 34 medals (10 golds, 14 silvers and 10 bronzes) in shooting ever since their participation began at the Summer Games. At the Paris Olympics 2024, France will field 14 top shooters in their quest for Olympic glory. Notably, the French contingent could be led by 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold-medalist Jean Quiquampoix and Carole Cormenier.
#5 Italy
Italy will be fielding 14 shooters at the Paris Olympics 2024. In the Tokyo Games, Italy won a total of 40 medals but only one (silver) in the shooting event. Notably, that medal was won by former gold-medalist Diana Bacosi.
Ever since the 1896 Games, Italy has won 42 medals in shooting. This time out, the contingent could be led by 54-year-old Giovanni Pellielo, who has been participating at the Summer Games since 1992.