Pugazh Murugan Raguraman
As the curtain falls on the Paris 2024 Olympics, India finds itself in a familiar position — celebrating six medals, including a silver by star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, while grappling with the missed opportunities and near-misses that left a nation of 1.4 billion yearning for more.
Neeraj Chopra’s silver was a testament to his unyielding consistency since his breakthrough win at the 2016 World U-20 Championships, and young shooter Manu Bhaker’s comeback after Tokyo brought cheer to an otherwise challenging campaign. However, India’s four bronze medals were overshadowed by six fourth-place finishes, signaling both hope and heartache in equal measure.
The discussion following every Olympics often revolves around medal counts, but experts are urging a shift in focus. “We need to scrutinize the methods available in the country to ensure excellence in various sports,” said Rohan Taylor, head coach of Australia’s national swimming squad. His words resonate deeply as India contemplates its future on the global stage.
Taylor’s insights provide a blueprint for India: a system where young athletes are nurtured from local clubs to state championships, and eventually into national programs designed to hone their specific skills. He emphasizes the importance of identifying and developing talent early, with a particular focus on traits like “competitive IQ” and natural aptitude.
India’s post-Games analysis has often cited a “lack of sporting culture” as a catch-all explanation for its underperformance. The weight-cutting fiasco involving wrestler Vinesh Phogat, which saw her disqualified from the Olympics, further underscores the need for better systems and accountability within national federations. Similarly, the struggles of long jumpers Jeswin Aldrin and Shaili Singh highlight gaps in coaching and training that need to be addressed.
As India sets its sights on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, there is a growing consensus that mere investment in facilities and exposure trips for elite athletes is not enough. What is required is a holistic approach that fosters a culture of excellence, starting from grassroots levels and extending to elite training environments.
The Indian men’s hockey team’s bronze medal, achieved through top-notch fitness, tactical discipline, and skill, offers a glimpse of what is possible with the right support systems. The challenge now is to replicate this success across all sports.
With the prospect of bidding for the 2036 Olympics on the horizon, India must focus on building robust systems that not only produce champions but also sustain them at the highest level. The time for change is now, and the future of Indian sports depends on it.