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India's performance at the recently concluded Paris Olympics has sparked a conversation about the nation's sporting ambitions and the challenges that lie ahead. With a total of six medals one silver and five bronze, the results have been met with mixed reactions. While the achievements of certain athletes have been celebrated, the overall medal tally has fallen short of expectations, especially in comparison to the seven medals secured at Tokyo 2020, which included a historic gold and two silvers. As India seeks to establish itself as a global sporting powerhouse, the need to broaden its sporting base and ensure equitable distribution of resources has become more urgent than ever.

The Achievements: New Heroes Emerge

• Despite the relatively modest medal count, the Paris Olympics did witness the emergence of new sporting icons in India. Shooters Manu Bhaker, Sarabjot Singh, and Swapnil Kusale, along with wrestler Aman Sehrawat, have become household names, thanks to their impressive performances. The men's hockey team, continuing their resurgence from Tokyo 2020, once again finished on the podium, reaffirming India’s historical strength in the sport. Neeraj Chopra, who made history by winning India's first-ever Olympic gold in athletics at Tokyo, added a silver to his collection in Paris, further solidifying his status as one of India’s greatest athletes.
• However, the reliance on a select group of athletes to deliver results highlights a critical issue: India's sporting success remains heavily concentrated in a few disciplines. This narrow focus not only limits the country’s potential to excel across a broader range of sports but also puts immense pressure on these athletes to consistently perform at the highest level.

Challenges

• One of the most glaring issues that the Paris Olympics has brought to the forefront is India's near-zero presence in key disciplines such as swimming and gymnastics. These sports, which are among the most competitive and widely followed at the Olympic Games, have remained largely underdeveloped in India. The absence of Indian athletes in these events not only limits the nation’s chances of winning medals but also diminishes the overall visibility of these sports within the country.
• Another significant setback was the disqualification of wrestler Vinesh Phogat for being above the weight threshold. This incident, while unfortunate, underscores the need for better management and support systems for athletes, particularly in weight-sensitive sports like wrestling.
• The root of these challenges can be traced back to the inequitable distribution of funding and resources across different sports. While certain sports such as cricket, wrestling, and shooting receive substantial financial backing, others continue to struggle for basic infrastructure and support. This imbalance stifles the development of a more diverse sporting culture in India and limits the opportunities for aspiring athletes to pursue less mainstream sports.

Measures to Improve Performance in Olympic

• The Need for Grassroots Development
  • To truly elevate India’s performance on the global stage, there is a pressing need to broaden the base of sporting participation at the grassroots level. This requires a comprehensive strategy that includes increasing access to sports facilities, providing quality coaching, and creating more opportunities for young athletes to compete at national and international levels.
  • Grassroots development is the foundation of any successful sporting nation. Countries like the United States, China, and Russia have long recognized the importance of nurturing talent from a young age, and their dominance in the Olympics is a testament to the effectiveness of such an approach. For India to achieve similar success, it must invest in grassroots programs that cater to a wide range of sports and reach athletes from diverse backgrounds.
• Fixing Accountability and Governance
  • The onus of driving this change lies with the Union Sports Ministry, which must take proactive steps to ensure that the various sports federations operate in line with the National Sports Code. Too often, these federations have been plagued by issues such as nepotism, corruption, and mismanagement, which hinder the development of sports in the country.
  • By enforcing stricter accountability measures and decentralizing governance, the government can create a more transparent and efficient sports administration system. This would not only help in the fair distribution of resources but also ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of athletes and the broader sporting community.
• The Broader Olympic Spirit
  • While the pursuit of medals and national pride is a significant aspect of the Olympics, it is equally important to recognize the broader values that the Games represent. The Olympics are the greatest stage on earth to showcase the triumph of human will, determination, and perseverance. This spirit was exemplified by several athletes at the Paris Olympics who achieved extraordinary feats, often against overwhelming odds.
  • The Netherlands’ Sifan Hassan, for instance, became the first athlete since Emil Zatopek in 1952 to win medals in the 5,000m, 10,000m, and marathon events. Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon made history by becoming the first woman to win three consecutive 1,500m titles. Cuba’s Mijain Lopez achieved an unprecedented fifth consecutive gold in the 130kg Greco-Roman wrestling category, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.
  • Going forward, India needs to focus on one simple thing — to try and triple the number of athletes in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. In Paris, the US has over 600 athletes while Japan has more than 400. India sent only 117. If India can triple this number, it is natural that the number of medals will also go up.
  • In tennis, Novak Djokovic, at the age of 37 and after recovering from a major knee surgery, finally won the elusive Olympic singles gold, adding another chapter to his illustrious career. Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, despite facing severe gender-based discrimination, rose to the top and became a symbol of resilience and strength.
  • The Paris Olympics also witnessed record-breaking performances, such as Sweden’s Armand Duplantis breaking the men’s pole vault record for the ninth time with a jump of 6.25 metres. In swimming, Katie Ledecky continued her dominance, adding to her tally of Olympic golds, while gymnast Simone Biles and hurdler Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone also added to their impressive medal collections.
• Expanding High-Performance Training Programs
  • To help athletes excel at the highest levels, it is important to expand high-performance training programs like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and establish more sports academies with world-class facilities.
• Increasing Financial Support and Sponsorships
  • Consistent financial support through government schemes, corporate sponsorships, and public-private partnerships is essential for allowing athletes to focus on training without financial concerns. For instance, increasing the budget for the National Sports Development Fund can provide the necessary resources for athletes’ growth.
• Integrating Sports into the Education System
  • Promoting sports as a viable career option and integrating it into the education system, as seen in models from the US and China, can foster a strong sports culture. Schools and universities should implement mandatory sports programs and offer scholarships to talented athletes, ensuring a steady pipeline of emerging talent.

Conclusion

As India reflects on its performance at the Paris Olympics, it is clear that there is much work to be done to achieve the nation’s sporting ambitions. While there have been notable successes, the overall results indicate that India must adopt a more holistic and inclusive approach to sports development.

By broadening the base of participation, ensuring equitable distribution of resources, and fostering a culture of accountability and good governance, India can create a sustainable sporting ecosystem that produces Olympic champions and inspires millions of young athletes across the country.

The journey towards becoming a global sporting powerhouse is a long and challenging one, but with the right strategies and a commitment to excellence, India has the potential to achieve great success in the years to come. The Paris Olympics should serve as a reminder that while the pursuit of medals is important, the true spirit of the Games lies in the celebration of human potential and the pursuit of excellence in all its forms.

Source- ORF