However, if we look at India’s showing in the past Summer Games, the Paris tally isn’t too bad.Yes, we couldn’t better our 2020 Tokyo haul of seven (one gold, two silver, four bronze) but we did much better than in Rio 2016, when our medal count was just two.
The performance, especially in badminton, boxing and archery was disappointing, as medals were expected. Still, there is a flicker of hope -there were six fourth-place finishes. Besides, Vinesh Phogat‘s disqualification meant India lost a gold or a silver.
84 nations won medals in Paris, India at No. 71
What may rankle is the fact that our elite athletes now get the facilities that they want – the best training, good exposure and medical support. While at the grassroots level, sport still craves for attention and support, the govt does make things easy for top athletes to train, prepare and perform.
For preparing the contingent for Paris Olympics, the Union govt spent Rs 470 crore over the last three years. This is significantly more than what used to be the figure earlier.
Looking at the break-up, the highest amount was spent on athletics (Rs 96.08 crore) followed by badminton (Rs 72.02 crore), boxing (Rs 60.93 crore) and shooting (Rs 60.42 crore). All 16 disciplines in which India participated in Paris got funds.
But another number makes it look dismal – 84 countries won medals in Paris and India were placed at 71 in the table. Certainly, not flattering. Those who have a stake in Indian sport must feel the pinch.
Abhinav Bindra, India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist, called the Indian contingent’s show ‘commendable’. “It’s been a spirited performance. All our athletes have performed at a high level,” he said.
Encouraging words indeed. The problem is that while we improve, the world improves too. The powerhouse nations keep trying to get better and fringe countries keep producing surprise champions. The competition at this level is relentlessly high quality. The challenge is enormous.
The likes of Manu Bhaker, Sarabjot Singh and Aman Sehrawat give optimism a youthful boost. More of their ilk are welcome.
