With the Paris 2024 Olympics fast approaching, India’s preparations are in full swing. The country’s seven medals at Tokyo and success at the Hangzhou Asian Games have raised expectations, but the Olympics present a formidable challenge.
Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur expressed confidence in India’s athletes, stating that they will return with the country’s best Olympic haul. The government has supported athletes’ qualification and preparation, sanctioning over 350 foreign exposure trips.
As of now, 58 Indian athletes have qualified for Paris 2024, including both the men’s and women’s Table Tennis teams, as well as quotas in women’s Skeet Shooting and Equestrian (Dressage).
The government has graded National Sports Federations (NSFs) based on performance and expectations, but fund cuts are not considered a measure for non-performance. Instead, the focus is on providing support to athletes through federations.
India has expressed its intention to bid for the 2036 Olympics and 2030 Youth Olympics. The government is working closely with the Indian Olympic Association and the IOC Future Hosts Commission to make a strong recommendation in favor of the Indian bid.
To achieve success in terms of medals, India is encouraging sports like cycling and swimming, which offer multiple medal opportunities. The government has increased its sports budget three times in the past decade, and corporate and private investments through CSR funds have also contributed to the development of Indian sport.
The Khelo India Games play a crucial role in talent identification, and the upcoming KIRTI Platform aims to tap into untapped sporting talent across India.
Women’s sport is a particular area of focus, with the government enhancing its support in recent years. Women athletes have won five medals in the last two Olympic Games and have made significant contributions to India’s medal tally at the Asian Games.
