- The Indian sporting scenario is looking to ascend over the last few years, supported by the statistics available vis-à-vis medal wins in some of the premier competitions, including the Olympics. Gone are the days when the Indian sporting contingent used to be mere participants without much of an anticipation to bring home medals. Yes, there are exceptions like the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Games, and other such competitions where the level of competition is not at par with the Olympics or World Championships. Competing in regional events where winning medals is not cumbersome compared to the Olympics is apparent. Nonetheless, nothing can be taken away from the athletes as their efforts cannot be belittled.
PC: The Economic Times
- Due to the efforts of successive governments – both the Centre and the States – the sporting culture in the Indian context is witnessing an uptick even as private sponsorships loosen their purse strings by associating with some of the emerging talents. Thankfully, our sportsmen/women are contributing to increasing the medal tally from one Olympics to another. The ongoing Paris Olympics had created a buzz surrounding our prospects of bettering the tally from the previous Tokyo Olympics. Midway through the Games, India’s performance can be termed as average at best with only the shooters winning 3 bronze medals yet. The promises offered by a few athletes have not transformed into medal wins. Yes, the sports ecosystem needs more change.
- Yes, it’s been the story of so close, yet so far. At the halfway stage, India has won just three bronze medals largely thanks to Manu Bhaker creating history by becoming the first Indian since 1947 to win two medals at the same Olympics. In hindsight, it can be safely mentioned that more shooting medals were well within our grasp but slipped down unfortunately. The bright spot also comes from the way the men’s Hockey team has made a strong run that now sees India in the semifinals for the second Olympics in a row. The team pulled off a huge upset in beating Australia after 52 years at the Olympics. It then followed this up with a superb display against Great Britain in the quarterfinals where it was down to 10 men in the 17th.
PC: The Economic Times
- India’s boxing contingent held a lot of promise but failed to deliver. Nikhat Zareen and Tokyo bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain were among the medal hopefuls at Paris. But both crashed out before the medals stage and so did Amit Panghal and Nishant Dev in the men’s categories. Tweaks are in order before the Los Angeles Games in 2028. Lakshya Sen created history by becoming the first Indian male player to reach the semifinals of badminton at the Olympics. But here he came up short against defending champion Viktor Axelsen. After PV Sindhu’s earlier exit, Lakshya can still secure a badminton bronze for India. But it would still feel like an opportunity missed. The nation’s hopes rests on Neeraj Chopra and the men’s Hockey team to bring in greater glory.
