Neeraj Chopra: The Javelin Titan
Already a two-time Olympic medallist, Neeraj Chopra continues to be India's spearhead in athletics. Despite battling injuries in recent seasons, his consistency at major events is undeniable. While he narrowly missed gold at the 2026 Commonwealth Games,
securing a silver, his hunger and experience make him a formidable force. Having already won everything from the Olympics to the World Championships, Chopra's journey towards LA 2028 will be about cementing his legacy as one of the all-time greats. His presence inspires a new generation of Indian javelin throwers, as seen with Yashvir Singh and Rohit Yadav also medalling at the Asian Games, highlighting India's growing depth in the sport.
Shooting: A Renewed Force
Indian shooting has undergone a significant transformation, with a data-driven approach complementing raw talent. This strategy paid dividends at the 2026 Asian Games, where India secured 15 medals, including three golds. While star shooter Manu Bhaker had a challenging run at the individual events, the contingent showed its depth. Elavenil Valarivan clinched an individual silver in the 10m air rifle, while Suruchi Singh and Kamaljeet won gold in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. The emergence of trap shooter Neeru Dhanda, who won an individual gold, further diversifies India's medal hopes. With a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars like Suruchi Phogat, India is targeting a multi-medal haul in LA.
Wrestling: The Powerhouse Persists
Wrestling has consistently been a source of Olympic medals for India, and the road to LA 2028 looks promising. Young talents like Aman Sehrawat, who became India's youngest Olympic medallist at Paris 2024, are leading a new generation of grapplers. Veterans like Geeta Phogat have expressed confidence that the current crop of wrestlers will exceed previous performances. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is aiming for around five medals in Los Angeles, a testament to the strong pipeline of talent coming from states like Haryana. With new selection policies ensuring that only the best will represent the country, the internal competition is set to push wrestlers like Nisha Dahiya and Antim Panghal to new heights.
Boxing: Punching for Glory
Indian boxing has a rich history, from Vijender Singh's groundbreaking bronze in 2008 to Mary Kom's legendary career. Now, a new generation is ready to step into the ring. Boxers like Lovlina Borgohain, Priya Ghanghas, and Kapil Pokhariya have shown their mettle at the Asian Games, reaching the semi-finals and finals. Emerging prospects like Hitesh Gulia, who dominated the World Boxing Cup circuit, are also marking their territory. The focus is on converting strong continental performances into Olympic podium finishes, building on the legacy of past champions and establishing a new era of dominance.
New Arenas: Archery and Squash
The inclusion of new sports and disciplines in the LA 2028 Olympics offers a massive opportunity for India. Compound archery, a discipline where Indian archers have been globally dominant, will make its debut. Athletes like Jyothi Surekha Vennam are strong contenders, given India's recent sweep of gold medals at the World Championships and Asian Games in this category. Squash, another sport making its Olympic debut, also presents a medal chance. Teenage prodigy Anahat Singh is rising rapidly in the global rankings and is a solid contender to watch. These new additions could be key to India achieving its goal of a double-digit medal tally.
Badminton: The Next Wave
After a transitional phase, Indian badminton is showing signs of a resurgence. While PV Sindhu remains a veteran presence, the men's singles category is buzzing with new energy. Lakshya Sen, having come close to a medal in Paris, is considered a strong contender for LA. The emergence of Ayush Shetty, who won a silver at the 2026 Asia Championships, provides another strong option. In men's doubles, the pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty remains India's biggest bet for a medal if they can maintain their form and fitness.
