New Delhi: The number of Indian athletes qualifying for Rio Olympics 2016 touched 86 on Tuesday, when an unprecedented seven shuttlers confirmed their qualification. The total number of qualifying athletes has thus crossed the mark of 83 in London 2012 Olympics.
The count also increased as two weightlifters confirmed their qualification for the world’s biggest sporting event.
Five shuttlers represented Indian in the London Olympics, whereas seven will be seen in the upcoming Rio Olympics.
Other than badminton, the number of qualifiers for athletics, hockey, shooting, gymnastics and table tennis has also increased as compared to that in 2012 Olympics.
Gita Karmakar made history few days back, making it the first time that a woman gymnast from India will appear in the Olympics.
Also, for the first time, four table tennis players will represent India in Rio Olympics. In 2012, only two paddlers could qualify for India.
There has been a considerable rise in the number of women athletes qualifying for the big event. The number of qualifying Indian sportswomen was 23 in 2012 which has gone up to 38 now. This is so because Indian women’s hockey has qualified for the second time in the history of Olympics.
Since more berths are expected in boxing, golf, tennis and athletics, the number may reach the 100-mark very soon. It is important to mention here that golf was not included in the London Olympics in 2012.
“With some more names expected to make the grade, we could come very close to the figure of 100 athletes,” said Rakesh Gupta, Chef de Mission of India to Rio Olympics.
