India's Olympic Performance: Isn't It a Matter of Serious Concern?
When the Paris Olympics ended, India won a total of six medals but did not win a single gold medal, an India of 142 cores.
If we look at the data online, we are above 140 cores. In a country of 1.42 billion, India won a total of six medals, and came 71st, but did not win a single gold medal. If we calculate the number, we have 1.42 billion people and see it accordingly, then the number comes out to be one medal for about 24.2 billion people. This is the plight of us Indians.
There are only a few states in the whole of India from where people are coming out. And if we talk about this year’s Olympics, medals have come from only two states, Haryana and Maharashtra. If we talk about total medals, out of six medals, one medal is a joint medal of the hockey team, whereas on the other hand, four medals are from Haryana, only one medal is from Maharashtra, and 26 states in India are medalless.
Regional Disparities in Medal Wins
Now this is a big question: what is lacking in a country like India? Is it a lack of talent or exposure or a lack of people who are needed to develop our talent? Where are we missing? This becomes a big question.
In such a situation, another question gets added, and that is the Para Olympics, which happened just after the Olympics. “Persons are sons of disability.” When they participated in sports, they made a mark. They brought 29 medals, and in such a situation, a big lesson is learned: if “Person sons with a disability” are bringing such great medals, then how can you and those who are fully capable?
Comparison with Other Countries
Now if we look at the points table, India reached 71st position, and only 84 countries were able to make it to the medal table. The interesting thing is that Pakistan has reached the 62nd position because it got one gold; we did not get gold.
If we talk about the Tokyo Olympics, we reached sixth position; we won seven medals in the Tokyo Olympics and this time we have won six medals.
If we talk about the Para Olympics, we managed to secure 18th position by winning 29 medals, which means that the thing to think about again and again is that the persons with disabilities in our country have increased the prestige of the country so much that we brought seven gold medals in the points table, and interestingly, if we pay attention to this number tally, then it is that these medals are the best till date, and this points table is continuously improving.
This time there were also very memorable moments in the Para Olympics. In one such incident, the player from Iran was getting gold and our player was getting silver, but his gold was canceled and our player got gold and he got silver. India won 29 medals, out of which 7 were gold, 9 were silver, and 13 were bronze. 168 countries participated here, but China stood first with 220 medals, Great Britain stood second with 124 and 24 medals, and the US stood third with 105 medals. India has reached here by winning the maximum number of medals in athletics.
It is a matter of satisfaction that this time we have 6 players in the fourth position, it is possible that in the coming times, they may give a good performance and bring glory to our country.
Sports also indicate the health of a nation; they promote team spirit and develop leadership skills. If you observe, the countries that are good in sports are also good in other fields. When you see America and China at the top list, you also find that these countries are at the top not only in sports but also in their industrial businesses, Human Development Index, Health Index, etc. This is a general perspective. Now abroad should also promote things like Khelo India.
The question is how the Para-Olympians were performing better than the Olympians. There are two things. The world is paying less attention to this, we have paid more attention. The first thing is that we have also made good investments. This time you think about the investment that we had given only 26 cores when we went to the Tokyo Olympics last time.
This time the Government of India has given 74 cores to the Paralympic players. Along with this, the Sports Authority and the Paralympic Committee of India are constantly working on the development of high-quality sports. Earlier at the international level, it was treated like an NGO that we are organizing this sport to give respect to persons with disabilities. But now gradually competition is coming into it. So here we are constantly preparing to participate in this sport with full readiness, determination, and passion. Better coaching facilities are being developed in it, and we are constantly improving it.
Summary:
Regional Disparities in Medal Wins
- Out of the six Olympic medals, four came from Haryana, one from Maharashtra, and one was a joint medal from the hockey team.
- The stark fact is that 26 states in India remained medalless.
Paralympians Outshine Olympians
- Indian Paralympians brought home 29 medals, including 7 gold, 9 silver, and 13 bronze. India ranked 18th on the Paralympic points table, far outperforming its Olympic counterpart.
- The performance of athletes with disabilities has brought immense pride to the nation, proving their determination and skill.
Comparison with Other Countries
- Despite India’s size, it ranked 71st in the Olympics, behind countries like Pakistan, which won a single gold medal and ranked 62nd.
- In contrast, India’s Paralympians secured the country’s best-ever performance at the Paralympics, further highlighting the underachievement in the Olympics.
Factors Behind the Discrepancy
- Increased investment in Paralympic sports: The Government of India allocated 74 crores for the Paralympic players, compared to 26 crores for the Tokyo Olympics.
- Better coaching and high-quality facilities for Paralympians have resulted in continuous improvement and success.
Broader Lessons for Indian Sports
- Countries excelling in sports, such as the USA and China, also rank high in various global indices like the Human Development Index, Health Index, and Industrial Success.
- India needs a focused strategy like “Khelo India” to promote sports and ensure a broader pool of talent across all states and sectors of society.
A Glimmer of Hope for the Future
- Six Indian athletes came close to securing medals, finishing in 4th place, which suggests potential for improvement in the next Olympics.
