The 2024 Paris Olympics have kicked off, and this year’s Games are drawing particular attention for being the most cost-effective in recent history. With India sending a record 117 athletes, the nation is eager to surpass its previous medal tally of seven. Notably, Kerala has made its mark with seven talented athletes representing the state. This time, however, there is no female representation from Kerala. Let’s delve into the profiles of Kerala’s Olympic contenders:
P R Sreejesh: Hockey Legend
P R Sreejesh, a hockey legend and one of the world’s best goalkeepers of this generation, is set to participate in his fourth and final Olympics. A former Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and Padma Shri awardee, Sreejesh aims to bring home a gold medal this time, building on the bronze he won in his previous Olympic appearance. He hails from Kizhakkambalam.
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Muhammed Anas Yahiya: Sprint Star
Muhammed Anas Yahiya, the current national record holder in the 400m, hails from Nilamel, Kollam. He made history as only the third Indian athlete to qualify for the 400m at the Rio 2016 Olympics, following Milkha Singh and KM Binu. Anas was also a key member of the 4x400m relay team that broke the Asian record and won the gold medal at the Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2023. Anas will compete in both the men’s and mixed 4x400m relays.
H S Prannoy: Badminton Ace
H S Prannoy, a former Arjuna Awardee and one of India’s most seasoned badminton players, is poised to make his Olympic debut in Paris. Currently ranked 13th in the world, Prannoy has been in exceptional form leading up to the Games. He played a pivotal role in India’s historic Thomas Cup victory in 2022 and followed that success with a bronze medal at both the 2023 Asian Games and the BWF World Championships. Additionally, Prannoy captured his first Super 500 title at the Malaysia Masters and finished as the runner-up at the Australian Open in 2023. He hails from Thiruvananthapuram.
Amoj Jacob: Relay Runner
Amoj Jacob, who was a key member of the 4x400m relay team that broke the Asian record and secured India’s first gold medal in the event since the 1975 Seoul Olympics, is preparing for his second Olympic appearance. Although currently based in Delhi, Jacob’s roots are in Kochi. He will compete in the 4x400m relay at the Paris Games.
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Mijo Chacko Kurian: Emerging Relay Star
Mijo Chacko Kurian achieved a silver medal at the 2023 Asian Championships held in
Bangkok and also competed in the World Athletics Championships in Hungary. These
accomplishments were pivotal in securing his selection for the 2023 Asian Games, where he
bagged gold. Now, Kurian is gearing up for his Olympic debut. Although he is originally
from Panambur near Mangalore, he has strong roots in Kerala. He will be competing in the
4x400m relay at the Paris Games.
Muhammad Ajmal: Relay Runner
Muhammad Ajmal, a Kottayam native and Indian track and field athlete specializing in the
400m sprint, clinched a gold medal at the Indian Grand Prix in 2022. He was also part of the
team—alongside Jyothika Sri Dandi, Amoj Jacob, and Subha Venkatesan—that won the
4x400m relay at the Asian Relays with a time of 3 minutes 14.12 seconds. Ajmal is now
preparing for his Olympic debut in the 4x400m relay at the Paris Games.
Abdulla Aboobacker: Triple Jump Specialist
Abdulla Aboobacker, a triple jump athlete from Kozhikode, has made notable strides in his
career. He secured a gold medal at the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships and a silver
medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Another notable event was the selection of Tilotama Ikareth, a 20-year-old from Kottayam, as
a torchbearer for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Ikareth is also on a mission to join the French
para-taekwondo team for the 2028 Paralympics.
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