As the curtains drew to a close on the 2024 Paris Olympics, India’s contingent returned home with a mixed bag of emotions. While the country’s medal tally may not have been as impressive as some had hoped, there were several moments of triumph, heartbreak, and inspiration that showcased the nation’s unwavering sporting spirit.
A Glimpse of Glory: India’s Medal Winners
India’s medal winners at the Paris Olympics proved that the country is capable of producing world-class athletes who can hold their own against the best in the world. Neeraj Chopra’s historic gold medal in the javelin throw, followed by silver medals in wrestling and badminton, were a testament to the country’s growing prowess in various sports.
These medal-winning performances not only brought joy to the nation but also served as a beacon of hope for the future. They demonstrated that with the right support, infrastructure, and training, Indian athletes can overcome even the toughest of challenges and emerge victorious on the global stage.
The Unyielding Spirit of Indian Athletes
Beyond the medal winners, there were several Indian athletes who may not have won medals but left an indelible mark on the Paris Olympics. Their unwavering dedication, perseverance, and passion for their respective sports inspired a nation and proved that the true essence of sportsmanship lies not in winning, but in the pursuit of excellence.
Take, for instance, the story of Indian boxer, Lovlina Borgohain, who fought valiantly against a formidable opponent in the quarterfinals, only to narrowly miss out on a medal. Her courage, grit, and determination in the face of adversity earned her widespread admiration and respect.
The Road Ahead: Addressing the Challenges
While India’s performance at the Paris Olympics was a step in the right direction, it also highlighted several challenges that need to be addressed to take the country’s sporting ecosystem to the next level. The lack of adequate infrastructure, funding, and support for athletes were some of the key issues that came to the fore.
To overcome these challenges, the government, sports federations, and private organizations must work in tandem to create a conducive environment that fosters the growth of sports in India. This includes investing in world-class infrastructure, providing athletes with access to top-notch coaching and training facilities, and offering them the necessary financial support to pursue their dreams.
The Power of Sports to Unite a Nation
The Paris Olympics also demonstrated the power of sports to unite a nation and transcend boundaries of caste, creed, and religion. As Indians from all walks of life came together to cheer for their athletes, the country witnessed a rare display of unity and solidarity.
This sense of national pride and collective ownership is crucial in driving the growth of sports in India. It is essential to harness this energy and channel it into creating a sporting culture that encourages participation, celebrates achievement, and inspires future generations to take up sports.
Full List of India’s Medal Winners and Near Misses
India’s contingent at the 2024 Paris Olympics returned home with a total of six medals, including one silver and five bronze medals. Here is the fulllist of India’s medal winners and near misses:
Medal Winners:
| Indian Athletes | Medal | Event |
| Manu Bhaker | Bronze | Women’s 10m Air Pistol Event |
| Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh | Bronze | 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team Event |
| Swapnil Kusale | Bronze | Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions |
| Indian Hockey Team | Bronze | Men’s Hockey |
| Neeraj Chopra | Silver | Men’s Javelin Throw |
| Aman Sehrawat | Bronze | Men’s 57kg Freestyle Event |
- Neeraj Chopra secured a silver medal in javelin with a throw of 89.45m. This was his second Olympic medal, making him India’s fifth two-time Olympic medallist.
- Manu Bhaker became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal. She also became the first athlete from independent India to win two medals in a single Games by clinching a medal in both individual and mixed team events.
- India won three shooting medals, including the first-ever Olympic medal in the 50m rifle 3 positions, achieved by Swapnil Kusale. This was the highest tally for India in shooting at the Olympics.
- Indian athletes competed in 69 medal events across 16 sports, such as archery, athletics, badminton, boxing, equestrian, golf, hockey, judo, rowing, sailing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, and tennis.
- Lakshya Sen became the first Indian to reach the semi-finals in men’s badminton at the Olympics, finishing fourth.
- Wrestler Vinesh Phogat after reaching the final in the women’s 50 kg category, Phogat was disqualified for being overweight by 100 grams.
Near Misses:
India also had several near misses at the Paris Olympics, with athletes finishing fourth in their respective events. These include:
- Arjun Babuta, who finished fourth in the Men’s 10m Air Rifle Shooting event, missing the bronze medal by just 1.4 points.
- Dhiraj Bommadevara and Ankita Bhakat, who finished fourth in the Mixed Team Archery event.
- Lakshya Sen, who finished fourth in the Badminton event.
- Saikhom Mirabhai Chanu, who finished fourth in the Weightlifting event.
- Vinesh Phogat, who was disqualified from the Wrestling final.
These near misses serve as a reminder that India’s athletes are capable of competing at the highest level and that with the right support and infrastructure, they can overcome even the toughest of challenges and emerge victorious on the global stage.
Why India Struggles to Secure Olympic Medals
Inadequate Sporting Infrastructure: A Major Hurdle
India’s struggle to secure Olympic medals can be attributed to a combination of factors, with inadequate sporting infrastructure being one of the primary reasons. Many of India’s top athletes have claimed that they lack access to proper training facilities, coaching expertise, and equipment, which puts them at a disadvantage compared to athletes from other countries.
Despite being the second most populous country with a thriving economy and robust infrastructure, India’s poor performance at the international sports arena is baffling. A deep dive into the malady and the remedy in view of the forthcoming Paris Olympics reveals that India has, during its past 104 years of Olympic journey, cumulatively won 35 medals – just seven more than what Michael Phelps won single-handedly.
Lack of Funding and Sponsorship: A Constant Struggle
Most Indian athletes struggle to afford the necessary equipment and training. Many Indian athletes face challenges in securing consistent funding and sponsorship, which impacts their training, equipment, and overall preparation. The government, private sector, and NGOs need to collaborate to create sustainable funding models for athletes, ensuring they have the necessary resources to compete on a level playing field with athletes from better-funded nations.
Absence of a Robust Sports Culture: A Cultural Shift Needed
The absence of a robust sports culture results in limited interest, sponsorship, and investment in non-cricket sports. Unlike countries where sports are deeply ingrained in the societal fabric, India needs a cultural shift to prioritize and celebrate a diverse range of sports. Developing a broader sports culture can help create a pool of talented athletes and generate sustained interest in Olympic disciplines.
Identifying and Nurturing Talent: A Systematic Approach Needed
India needs a more systematic and widespread approach to identifying and nurturing talent at the grassroots level. Experts suggest focusing on increasing athlete participation for better outcomes in future Olympics. The country’s sustained underperformance in sports stands in stark contrast to China, the country it overtook in terms of total population around mid-2024 according to the UN.
Politicization of Sports Administration: A Major Obstacle
The politicization of sports administration and the lack of investment in elite athletes also contribute to India’s poor performance in the Olympics. The country’s sports administration is often plagued by politics, nepotism, and favoritism, which hinders the growth of sports and athletes.
Historical Context: A Legacy of Underperformance
India sent its biggest-ever Olympic contingent -124 athletes- to Tokyo Olympics in 2020. It returned with only 7 medals including one gold – won by Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra. It was placed at an abysmally low 47th rank, much below minuscule countries like the Bahamas, Uganda, and trouble-torn Kosovo. In the 2016 Rio Olympics, the Indian contingent came with only two medals – one silver and a bronze. In 2012 London, it bagged its best haul, six medals, or one for every 200 million people.
Improving India’s Olympic Performance: A Roadmap to Success
India’s performance in the Olympics has been a subject of concern for many years. Despite being a country with a large population and a growing economy, India has struggled to make a significantimpact in the Olympic Games. However, with a concerted effort and a well-planned strategy, India can improve its Olympic performance and bring home more medals. Here are some steps that India can take to improve its Olympic performance:
- Invest in Infrastructure
India needs to invest in building world-class sports infrastructure, including stadiums, training facilities, and equipment. This will provide Indian athletes with the necessary resources to train and compete at the highest level.
- Develop a Robust Sports Culture
India needs to develop a robust sports culture that encourages participation in sports from a young age. This can be achieved by making sports a compulsory part of the school curriculum, promoting sports in rural areas, and providing incentives for athletes to pursue sports as a career.
- Identify and Nurture Talent
India needs to identify and nurture talent from a young age. This can be achieved by setting up a robust talent identification system, providing training and coaching to young athletes, and providing them with the necessary resources to succeed.
- Provide Consistent Funding and Sponsorship
Indian athletes need consistent funding and sponsorship to pursue their sports careers. The government, private sector, and NGOs need to collaborate to provide sustainable funding models for athletes.
- Improve Sports Administration
India’s sports administration needs to be improved to ensure that athletes receive the necessary support and resources to succeed. This can be achieved by appointing professional administrators, reducing bureaucratic red tape, and increasing transparency and accountability.
- Focus on Olympic Disciplines
India needs to focus on Olympic disciplines and provide specialized training and coaching to athletes in these disciplines. This will help Indian athletes to compete with the best in the world and bring home more medals.
- Encourage Private Sector Participation
India needs to encourage private sector participation in sports to provide additional resources and funding for athletes. This can be achieved by providing incentives for private companies to invest in sports and by setting up public-private partnerships to promote sports.
- Improve Athlete Support Systems
India needs to improve athlete support systems, including medical support, psychological support, and nutrition support. This will help Indian athletes to perform at their best and reduce the risk of injuries and illnesses.
- Increase International Exposure
Indian athletes need to be provided with more international exposure to compete with the best in the world. This can be achieved by sending Indian athletes to participate in international competitions, providing them with training opportunities abroad, and hosting international competitions in India.
- Set Realistic Targets and Monitor Progress
India needs to set realistic targets for Olympic performance and monitor progress regularly. This will help to identify areas of improvement and provide a roadmap for success.
By following these steps, India can improve its Olympic performance and bring home more medals in the future. It will require a concerted effort from the government, private sector, NGOs, and athletes themselves, but the rewards will be well worth it.
Conclusion
The Paris Olympics 2024 presents a unique opportunity for India to rewrite its Olympic history. With a concerted effort to address underlying issues, India can improve its Olympic performance, bring home a record number of medals, and emerge as a sporting powerhouse on the global stage. It’s time for India to invest in infrastructure, talent identification, and athlete support systems, and recognize sports as a profession that deserves respect and recognition. The clock is ticking, and India has just over two years to prepare. Let’s make it count!
