India’s Paris Olympics yielded six medals but fell short of expectations. While funding helped, setbacks in key sports highlighted the need for hunger, resilience, and better planning.
India’s campaign at the Paris Olympics ended with six medals—one silver and five bronze. The country also experienced a record six fourth-place finishes, marking a bittersweet performance. Despite these achievements, there is a lingering sense of disappointment. Expectations were high, and while there were triumphs, they were often overshadowed by near misses. Each medal raised the bar, but the missed opportunities highlighted critical gaps.
Prominent voices like Prakash Padukone and Abhinav Bindra stressed the importance of wise spending and accountability. The government invested heavily, spending Rs 72 crore under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme. While these funds provided athletes with top-notch resources, the results showed that money alone isn’t enough. The Olympics, as Bindra noted, aren’t a “vending machine” for medals. Hunger, resilience, and hard work are crucial. Yet, the Paris Games revealed serious concerns, especially in key sports like badminton and boxing, where India struggled.
Some sports, like shooting and men’s hockey, demonstrated the value of long-term planning and autonomy. India’s shooters, despite setbacks, secured three medals, while the men’s hockey team’s bronze was a testament to effective coaching and preparation. However, sports like wrestling showed that cultural factors and a deep-rooted passion can still drive success, as seen with Aman Sehrawat. The Paris Olympics may not have met expectations, but they offered important lessons for India’s future in sports.
