5 Indian-Origin Athletes Representing Other Countries in Paris Olympic

The 2024 Paris Summer Olympics are about to begin, and 206 countries have sent their squad of around 10,500 athletes to the hosting nation. This year, India has high expectations from its athletes, which is mainly because of the plausible performance of the Indian squad in the previous event. However, the Indian squad isn’t the only squad to have Indians in it. As per reports, there are a few Indian-origin athletes who are a part of the Olympic Squads of other countries as well. Most of them are top-performing athletes in their respective sports. So, without any delay, let’s go through the top Indian-origin players in other countries’ squads. 

Rajeev Ram

Rajeev Ram is a professional tennis player who, along with Venus Williams, won a mixed-doubles gold medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics. His parents are originally from Bangalore, India, but Rajeev was born in the US, making him a US citizen. The six-time major tennis champion will be representing the USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics in Mixed Doubles with Austin Krajicek.

Prithika Pavade

Prithika Pavade is another Indian-origin athlete and first-generation French citizen. Prithika made her Olympic debut in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, when she was only 16 years old. In the 2024 Paris Olympics, Prathika will participate in Women’s Singles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. 

Kanak Jha

Another Indian-origin Table Tennis Maestro, Kanak Jha, is an American citizen who will represent Canada at the Paris Olympics in Men’s Singles. Kanak made his Olympic debut in the 2016 Rio Olympics at the age of 16. He also became the first American to win a gold medal in the Youth Olympics held in 2018 in Argentina. 

Shanti Pereira

Shanti Pereira is an Indian-origin track and field athlete competing for Singapore. She has her roots in Kerala and will represent Singapore in the 2024 100-metre event at the Paris Olympics. Last year, she made history by breaking Singapore’s 49-year drought in the Asian Games after she bagged a silver medal in the tournament. 

Amar Dhesi

Amar Dhesi is an Indian-origin freestyle wrestler who will be competing in the 125-weight category in Greco-Roman wrestling. Dhesi made his Olympic debut in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in Freestyle wrestling at 125 Kg class. Amar is also a Canadian National champion in Greco-Roman wrestling. 

All of these athletes are of Indian origin and were born in different countries. The Olympics is the pinnacle of the sport and seeing these Indians representing their respective countries brings joy to every Indian. Along with our National Olympic Squad, we wish everyone all the best for their Olympic aspirations.