India’s performance at the Paris Olympics, while not as impressive as the Tokyo Games, still showcased progress and potential. Despite a dip in medal count from seven to six, India’s athletes demonstrated resilience and determination.
Neeraj Chopra, India’s most decorated Olympian, emphasized the importance of considering fourth-place finishes and the quality of performances. India had four fourth-place finishes, including a potential medallist who was disqualified for not meeting weight requirements.
While shooting was absent from India’s medal tally in Tokyo, it contributed three medals in Paris, along with three fourth-place finishes. Boxing and badminton, which had delivered medals in Tokyo, failed to do so in Paris, raising questions about their preparation and performance.
Despite significant financial investment in preparation, India’s athletes faced challenges in athletics, where the gap between India and the world’s best remains wide. However, exceptional individuals like Chopra continue to inspire hope.
Gagan Narang, the Chef-de-Mission, acknowledged the widening gap between India and other nations in key Olympic sports like track and field and swimming. He stressed the need for effective structures, programs, and plans to bridge this gap.
Hockey, which medalled in two consecutive Olympics, aims to build on its success by linking it with youth programs and academies. India’s head coach, Craig Fulton, believes that with the right priorities, anything is possible.
While India fell short of expectations in Paris, the performances of its athletes, including those who narrowly missed medals, provide a foundation for future growth and improvement.
