India ended Paris Olympic 2024 with 6 medals
(1) Introduction
India’s participation in the Paris Olympics 2024 concluded with a haul of 6 medals, reflecting the nation’s gradual improvement on the global sporting stage. These achievements mark an important chapter in India’s sports history, contributing to both national pride and the broader goal of sports development. However, while the number of medals is a sign of progress, there remains a significant gap in comparison to global sporting powers. In this context, India’s performance at the Paris Olympics can be viewed as a mixed outcome, characterized by a blend of achievements and challenges.
(2) Indian Achievements at Paris 2024
Manu Bhaker’s performance was a highlight for India. She made history by winning the country’s first medal in Olympic shooting, securing a bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event. This was a groundbreaking moment as she became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal. Bhaker’s success did not stop there. She further solidified her place in Indian sports history by winning a second bronze medal in the mixed team 10m air pistol event alongside Sarabjot Singh. This medal was significant not only because it was Bhaker’s second but also because it marked India’s first team medal in shooting at the Olympics.
Swapnil Kusale also added a notable achievement to India’s medal tally by winning bronze in the 50m rifle 3 positions event. This was India’s first-ever medal in this category, showcasing a significant improvement in the country’s shooting discipline and reflecting a broader trend of rising standards in Indian shooting sports.
In hockey, the Indian men’s team replicated their success from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by securing a bronze medal. This consistent performance underscores the strength and stability of Indian hockey and marks a continued period of excellence in the sport.
Neeraj Chopra extended his Olympic legacy with a silver medal in the javelin throw. His achievement not only made him India’s most successful individual Olympian but also highlighted his dominance in the field of javelin throw on the global stage. Chopra’s medal was a testament to his continued prowess and resilience, further cementing his reputation as a world-class athlete.
Aman Sehrawat, at just 19 years old, became India’s youngest Olympic medallist by winning a bronze medal in wrestling. His achievement was significant, not only because of his age but also due to the historical context of Indian wrestling at the Olympics. Sehrawat’s success reflects the promising future of Indian wrestling and the emergence of new talents.
(3) Disappointments and Near-Misses
Despite these successes, the Indian contingent faced several disappointments and missed opportunities. Among the notable near-misses were athletes like Lakshya Sen, Mirabai Chanu, and Manu Bhaker, all of whom finished fourth in their respective events. These near-misses were particularly poignant as they fell just short of adding to India’s medal tally, reflecting the narrow margins and intense competition at the Olympic level.
PV Sindhu, who had previously won medals in consecutive Olympics (2016 and 2020), was unable to secure a medal in Paris 2024. This was a significant setback as Sindhu’s consistent performance in previous Olympics had set high expectations. Her inability to achieve a hat-trick of medals was a disappointment to many fans and highlighted the unpredictable nature of sports where past success does not always guarantee future outcomes.
Veteran archer Deepika Kumari also faced disappointment in Paris 2024. Despite her extensive experience and success in non-Olympic events, Kumari failed to win a medal. This outcome was particularly disheartening given her track record and the high hopes pinned on her to deliver at the Olympics.
Boxers Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain, both of whom were anticipated to perform well, were unable to secure medals. Their failure to bring home medals was a blow to Indian boxing, which had previously shown potential on the Olympic stage. Their results underscored the challenges and competitiveness of the sport at the highest level.
The disqualification of Vinesh Phogat just before the women’s 50kg wrestling final was another significant setback. Phogat’s disqualification dashed the nation’s gold medal hopes and highlighted the sometimes harsh and unpredictable nature of sports competitions. Her absence from the final was a major disappointment given the high expectations and the potential for a historic gold medal in women’s wrestling.
(4) Government Initiatives and Role
(i) Khelo India and TOPS: Central to India’s Olympic preparations has been the Khelo India initiative, which aims to build grassroots sports infrastructure and nurture young talent. It has significantly increased youth participation in sports, providing pathways for aspiring athletes to reach international standards.
The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), introduced to fund and train elite athletes, played a pivotal role in preparing India’s top contenders for the Olympics. Athletes received personalized coaching, diet plans, and world-class training facilities, contributing to India’s success, particularly in shooting and wrestling.
(ii) Private Sector Contributions: The role of private organizations and NGOs such as Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ) and JSW Sports has been instrumental in helping athletes with specialized training, rehabilitation, and exposure to international tournaments. These organizations bridge gaps in government funding and have supported some of India’s top medal hopefuls, making them more competitive at the international level.
(iii) National Sports Federations: Despite the success of certain athletes, there remain systemic issues within National Sports Federations (NSFs), including bureaucratic delays, lack of transparency, and inconsistent funding. Several NSFs have been criticized for inadequate infrastructure, poor athlete support, and selection controversies, which hinder India’s broader performance in sports.
(iv) Infrastructure and Training: While India has made strides in improving sports infrastructure, many facilities still do not meet international standards. Athletes often need to travel abroad for training, which is costly and affects their preparation. Moreover, India’s investment in sports science, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation is still in its nascent stages compared to other countries, limiting the physical and mental conditioning required for elite competition.
(5) Challenges Faced by Indian Athletes
(i) Limited Participation in a Variety of Sports: India’s medal tally is restricted to a few select sports. The country’s absence from podium finishes in swimming, gymnastics, and track and field events points to a systemic problem of limited athlete development programs in these areas. Investments in a wider variety of sports are essential to broaden India’s competitive scope.
(ii) Inconsistent Support for Women Athletes: While female athletes have been among India’s top performers in recent years, inconsistent support, especially in rural areas, limits the pool of women talent. Issues such as societal pressure, lack of access to training facilities, and safety concerns hinder the development of women athletes in various sports disciplines.
(iii) Mental Health and Pressure: The high expectations placed on India’s athletes, coupled with insufficient mental health support, create significant pressure. Internationally, sports psychologists and mental conditioning coaches are a regular part of an athlete’s preparation, while in India, these services are often under-utilized.
(iv) Financial Constraints for Many Athletes: Many of India’s athletes come from underprivileged backgrounds, where financial constraints limit their access to training and equipment. Although programs like Khelo India and TOPS provide some financial support, many athletes still struggle to afford the specialized training and international exposure needed for Olympic success.
(6) The Road Ahead
(i) Broadening the Talent Pool: India needs to broaden its talent pool by investing in sports that have traditionally been overlooked. Special focus should be placed on disciplines like athletics, swimming, and gymnastics, which offer numerous medal opportunities. Grassroots programs must be expanded to identify and nurture talent from a young age, ensuring a steady pipeline of future Olympic contenders.
(ii) Building World-Class Infrastructure: India must continue to develop world-class sports infrastructure to support its athletes. The creation of high-performance training centers equipped with the latest technology, physiotherapy, and sports science is crucial to helping athletes compete at the highest level.
(iii) Encouraging Private Sector Participation: Increased collaboration between the government and the private sector will be key in funding sports initiatives and providing athletes with the resources they need to succeed. The success of private organizations like OGQ and JSW Sports should serve as a model for future partnerships.
(iv) Emphasizing Sports Education: Schools and universities should emphasize sports education alongside academics. The introduction of sports scholarships, training programs, and professional sports management courses will help create a stronger sports ecosystem and foster a culture of sporting excellence in the country.
(7) Conclusion
The Paris Olympics 2024 presented a mix of triumphs and tribulations for Indian sports. While the achievements of athletes like Manu Bhaker, Swapnil Kusale, Neeraj Chopra, and Aman Sehrawat were historic and inspiring, the near-misses and disappointments also revealed the narrow margins of success and the challenges faced by athletes at the Olympic level.
The Indian contingent’s performance in Paris underscored the progress made in various sports disciplines while also highlighting the areas where improvements are needed. The 6 medals won by the Indian athletes reflected a continued growth in the country’s sporting capabilities, yet the close finishes and missed opportunities served as reminders of the relentless nature of Olympic competition.
Looking ahead, the lessons from Paris 2024 will likely drive future preparations and strategies, aiming to convert near-misses into podium finishes. The successes achieved set a high bar for Indian athletes, and the experiences from both the achievements and disappointments will shape the approach towards future international sporting events, including the next Olympic Games.
