Who among the following was the first Indian representative in modern Olympics?
AMilkha Singh
BKD Jadhav
CNilima Ghose
DNorman Pritchard
Answer:
D. Norman Pritchard
Read Explanation:
Norman Pritchard: The First Indian Olympian
- Norman Pritchard is widely recognized as the first Indian representative to compete in the modern Olympic Games.
- He represented India at the 1900 Paris Olympics.
- Pritchard participated in several track and field events, including the 200 meters sprint and the 200 meters hurdles.
- Remarkably, he won two silver medals in these events, although the IOC (International Olympic Committee) currently does not officially recognize these medals as being won for India, as the IOC's historical records are incomplete regarding his representation.
Background and Context:
- Born in Calcutta (now Kolkata), British India, in 1877, Pritchard was of British descent but was an Indian national.
- He was a prominent athlete and actor during his time in India.
- His participation in the 1900 Olympics marked a significant, albeit sometimes overlooked, milestone for India's presence in international sports.
Olympic Significance:
- The 1900 Paris Games were the second modern Olympic Games.
- Pritchard's achievement, even if not officially attributed to India by the IOC today, highlights India's early engagement with the Olympic movement.
- Subsequent Indian Olympians and medalists have brought greater official recognition to the nation's sporting prowess on the global stage.