Know Your Olympics - Paris Olympics 1924

Another below-average show from India

India at Paris Olympics - Another below-average show [Image for Representational Purposes]

Following their return to the Olympics in 1920, India once again participated in 1924. A team of almost 15 participants, including two women, represented British India at the Paris Olympics.

But like Antwerp, the Games were mostly a below average affair for Team India. Except for sprinter Terence Pitt, and to an extent tennis player, Sydney Jacob, none of the players made any good impression.

Terence Pitt participated in the sprinting events. He surprised many by qualifying for the next round in the heats of the 400m. However, he fizzled out with an average performance.

Meanwhile, Sydney Jacob was a tennis player, who surprised many with his skills. Long before Leander Paes shone on the world stage, it was Sydney Jacob who made his name as a tennis player. He surprised Watson Washburn on his journey to the quarterfinals. An American player, Washburn was one of the top players of his time. However, Sydney lost in an intense quarterfinal to Jean Borotra against France.

It wasn't until the rise of the Indian hockey team that the world even took notice of India at the Olympics. For them, India was just another participant. Until one man rose to the occasion. But his story is set for another day.