Vinesh Phogat To Neeraj Chopra: 24 Indian Athletes In Paris Olympics Are From THIS University

New Delhi: Not just one or two, but a remarkable 24 athletes representing India at the Paris Olympics 2024 are students of one university. From Neeraj Chopra to Vinesh Phogat, the athletes of this university account for 21% of the overall team. We are talking about the Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab which has achieved this extraordinary milestone, making it the second-largest contingent globally after Stanford University (USA). This achievement underscores LPU's commitment to excellence in both sports and education.

The Indian contingent at the Paris Olympics comprises 117 athletes, with LPU athletes accounting for an impressive 21% of the overall team. These students are participating in various disciplines, including javelin, wrestling, hockey, athletics, weightlifting, shooting, and boxing.

Many From LPU Brought Medals In Tokyo Olympics 2020

Among the notable LPU athletes selected for the Paris Olympics are Neeraj Chopra (BA), the gold medalist in the men's javelin throw at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (MA Psychology), a star weightlifter in the Women's 49 kg category. The Indian Hockey Team members from LPU include Captain Harmanpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Shamsher Singh, Mandeep Singh, Sukhjeet Singh (all pursuing BA), Manpreet Singh, Gurjant Singh (MBA), and Jarmanpreet Singh.

Also Read: LPU Announces Cash Reward of Rs 25 Lakhs For Student Vinesh Phogat, Despite Olympic Disqualification

Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Founder Chancellor of LPU, expressed his pride and joy: "We are incredibly proud and congratulate all our students who have not only secured a place in the Indian contingent for the Paris Olympics but have also propelled Lovely Professional University to become the second-largest contingent globally, trailing only the prestigious Stanford University. For any university, having even a single student represent their nation at the Olympics is a remarkable achievement. But to have 24 of our students donning the Indian colors at the 2024 Olympics is an unparalleled honor and a testament to LPU's unwavering dedication to fostering excellence in sports and education."

Other notable LPU athletes selected for the Paris Olympics include boxers Lovlina (BA, 75kg), Jasmine (B.P.Ed, 57kg), and Preeti (B.Sc Health & Physical Education, 54kg); wrestlers Anshu (MA English, 57kg), Nisha (68kg), Vinesh (MA Psychology, 50kg), and Antim Panghal (53kg); and shooter Arjun Singh Cheema (MA Public Administration), selected for the 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team events. Additionally, athletes Kiran Pahal (BA), Balraj Panwar (BBA, M1x rowing), Paramjit, Vikash (Men's 20km race walk), and archers Dhiraj Bommadevra and Tarundeep Roy will represent LPU at the Olympics. 

List of Athletes From LPU in Paris Olympics 2024

1. Neeraj Chopra
   (Athletics) B.A.
2. Harmanpreet Singh
   (Hockey) B.A.
3. Manpreet Singh
   (Hockey) MBA
4. Saikhom M Chanu
   (Weightlifting) M.A
5. Vinesh Phogat
   (Wrestling) M.A.
6. Anshu Malik
   (Wrestling) M.a.
7. Lovlina Borgohain
   (Boxing) B.A.
8. Hardik Singh
   (Hockey) B.A.
9. Jarmanpreet Singh
   (Hockey)
10. Gurjant Singh
    (Hockey) MBA
11. Mandeep Singh
    (Hockey) B.A.
12. Sukhjeet Singh
    (Hockey) B.A.
13. Paramjeet Bisht
    (Athletics)
14. Kiran Pahal
    (Athletics) B.A.
15. Vikas Singh
    (Athletics)
16. Jaismine Lamboria
    (Boxing) BPE
17. Dhiraj Bommadevara
    (Archery)
18. Tarun Deep Roy
    (Archery)
19. Nisha Dahiya
    (Wrestling) M.A.
20. Arjun S Cheema
    (Shooting) M.A.
21. Balraj Panwar
    (Rowing) BBA
22. Shamsher Singh
    (Hockey) B.A.
23. Antim Panghal
    (Wrestling)
24. Preeti Saipawar
    (Boxing) B.Sc.

LPU has heavily invested in building world-class sports infrastructure and providing 100% scholarships to promising athletes. This commitment has resulted in LPU students consistently achieving remarkable success in national and international competitions. In the last Olympics, 13 LPU students represented India at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, bringing home 3 medals, including 1 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze. With the number increasing to 24 for Paris 2024, LPU continues to set new benchmarks in sports excellence.

The 33rd Olympiad features 329 events across 32 sports during 754 sessions of ceremonies and competitions. A total of 10,500 athletes are participating worldwide.