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When and how does India's position improve in sports other than cricket?

By - Gurumantra Civil Class

At - 2025-11-14 10:34:39

 

When and how does India's position improve in sports other than cricket?
 
Underperformance of India in Paris Olympics 2024.
Despite being the second most populous country with a thriving economy and robust infrastructure, India's poor performance at the international sports arena is baffling.India finished with six medals, with its ranking in the medals tally slipping from 48th place in 2021 to 71st place in 2024. For a nation of 1.4 billion, our return of one silver and 5 bronze is very mearge.
Its clear that India’s performance has deep been underwhelming. To return without a gold medal hurts. And that’s where the Vinesh Phogat issue rankles that much more. Having beaten the great Yui Susaki, she was the overwhelming favourite for the gold when calamity struck.
At the start of the Paris Olympics, India was expected to achieve a double-digit medal count, including at least two gold medals. With several world-class athletes in its 117-strong contingent, this was a very realistic assessment.
Indian history in Olympic
 • India has, during its past 104 years of Olympic journey, cumulatively won 35 medals – just seven more than what Michael Phelps won single-handedly. The country has won only 10 gold medals including eight in hockey. The first gold in an individual event was won by Abhinav Bindra in the 2008 Beining Olympics for 10m rifle shooting.
 • India sent its biggest-ever Olympic contingent -124 athletes- to Tokyo Olympics in 2020. It returned with only 7 medals including one gold – won by Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra.
 • It was placed at an abysmally low 47th rank, much below minuscule countries like the Bahamas, Uganda, and trouble-torn Kosovo.
 • In the 2016 Rio Olympics, the Indian contingent came with only two medals – one silver and a bronze. In 2012 London, it bagged its best haul, six medals, or on for every 200 million people.
 • In 2008, it got just three medals. Before that in 2004 Athens, the team escaped from the ignominy of returning empty-handed – it was lucky to win a solitary medal.
Notable achievements happened at the Paris Olympics globally
• Sifan Hassan (Netherlands): Won medals in 5,000m, 10,000m, and marathon, a rare feat last achieved by Emil Zatopek in 1952.
• Faith Kipyegon (Kenya): Became the first woman to win three consecutive 1,500m Olympic titles.
• Mijain Lopez (Cuba): Secured his fifth gold in 130kg Greco-Roman wrestling.
• Novak Djokovic: Won his first Olympic singles gold at 37.
• Armand Duplantis (Sweden): Broke the men’s pole vault record for the ninth time (6.25m).
• Leon Marchand (France): Won four golds, leading France to its best medal tally in a century.
Analyzing Reasons for India’s Underperformance in Olympic Sports:
 • Governance Issues in Sports Federations: Many Indian sports federations are plagued by mismanagement and lack of accountability.
For example: The Wrestling Federation of India’s recent controversies highlight how poor governance can stifle talent development.
• Inadequate Financial Support: Athletes often receive inadequate financial support, hindering their training and preparation.
For example: UK provides comprehensive funding through programs like UK Sport to athletes, whereas Indian athletes have to rely on personal resources or sporadic sponsorships, limiting their potential.
 • Lack of High-Performance Training: India’s high-performance training programs are underdeveloped compared to countries like Australia and the US.
For example: The Australian Institute of Sport provides world-class training facilities and scientific support, which are crucial for achieving Olympic success.
 • Limited Exposure to International Competitions: Indian athletes often have limited exposure to international competitions, which is essential for gaining experience and confidence.
For instance: Countries like China ensure their athlete participation in numerous international events, honing their skills against top-tier competition, a practice that India needs to adopt more systematically.
 • Inadequate Support Systems: Support systems, including sports science, psychology, and nutrition, are yet not explored to its full potential in India.
For instance: The recent incident involving Vinesh Phogat, who missed a wrestling final due to weight management issues, underscores the need for integrated support systems.
 • Over emphasis on Cricket : On the one hand, the Indian Cricket Control Board collects two-thirds of the total funds generated worldwide for this sport, on the other hand, other sports are so starved of funds that athletes have been forced to crowdsource their sporting journey. This is at a time when the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog has launched ambitious plans like Khelo India, setting a goal of 50 medals – a target termed too exaggerated by many experts - for the forthcoming Tokyo event.
Measures to Improve India’s Medal Tally in Future Olympics:
 • Enhancing Grassroots Sports Development: Investing in grassroots sports infrastructure and programs is crucial for expanding the talent pool.
For instance: Initiatives like the Khelo India program have shown promise but require scaling up across all states to ensure broader participation and early talent identification
 • Strengthening Sports Governance: Reforming sports federations to ensure transparency, accountability, and merit-based selection is essential.
For instance: Full implementation of the National Sports Development Code of India is necessary to professionalize sports management and reduce political interference.
 • Expanding High-Performance Training Programs: Expanding high-performance training programs like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and establishing more sports academies with world-class facilities can provide athletes with the training and support they need to excel at the highest levels.
 • Increasing Financial Support and Sponsorships: Providing consistent financial support through government schemes, corporate sponsorships, and public-private partnerships can help athletes focus on training without financial burdens.
For instance: Increasing the budget for the National Sports Development Fund can provide the necessary resources for athletes’ development.
 • Integrating Sports into the Education System: Promoting sports as a viable career option and integrating it into the education system, similar to models in the US and China, can create a strong sports culture.
For instance: Schools and universities should have mandatory sports programs and offer scholarships to talented athletes, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent.

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