India at the 1900 Summer Olympics
India competed at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. It was the nation's first appearance at the modern Olympic Games. This marked the first participation of an Asian country in the Olympic Games. One athlete, Norman Pritchard, participated in athletics.[a] He competed in five events and won two silver medals. Until 2020, these were the only medals won by India in athletics. India was classified 19th in the overall medal table, which represents its best ever placement till date. BackgroundThe Indian Olympic Association was recognized by the International Olympic Committee in 1927.[5] However, by this time, the nation had already competed in four Olympic Games.[6] This edition at Paris marked the nation's first appearance at the Summer Olympics.[7] This marked the first participation of an Asian country in the Olympic Games.[8] India was classified 19th in the overall medal table, which represents its best ever placement till date.[9] MedalistsOne athlete, Norman Pritchard, participated in athletics.[a] He competed in five events and won two silver medals.[3][10] Until 2020, these were the only medals won by India in athletics.[11]
CompetitorsThe following is the list of number of competitors per sport/discipline.[4]
AthleticsNorman Pritchard competed in five events at the Games.[3] In the 200 m hurdles, he set a then Olympic record 26.8 seconds in the semifinals. In the final, he won the silver with a timing of 26 seconds after USA’s Alvin Kraenzlein registered a new Olympic record of 25.4 seconds to win the gold.[12][13] In the 200 m, he finished second in the semifinals to qualify for the final. In the final, he registered another second place with a time of 22.8 seconds after Walter Tewksbury of the USA won gold with a time of 22.2 seconds.[12][14]
Legend: Q = Qualified for the next phase. Notes
References
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