Hindu Editorial Analysis : 30-August-2024

The recent Paris Olympics showcased the achievements and challenges faced by Indian athletes. With a total of six medals, India ranked 71st out of 84 countries, highlighting a significant gap between the money invested in sports and the results achieved.

Celebrating Success

India celebrated notable achievements during the Olympics:

  • Neeraj Chopra won a silver medal in javelin, continuing his legacy as a top athlete.
  • Manu Bhaker earned two bronze medals in shooting, proving her skill and determination.
  • The hockey team secured a bronze medal, marking a proud moment for Indian hockey.

However, there were disappointments as well. Notably, the badminton team did not win any medals, and Mirabhai Chanu finished fourth in weightlifting, just shy of the podium.

Historical Context

India sent its largest-ever contingent of 124 athletes to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, returning with only seven medals. This included Neeraj Chopra’s historic gold, but the overall ranking was still low at 47th. India’s Olympic history includes a total of 41 medals since debuting in 1900, with a golden era in hockey that saw eight gold medals, long before Independence.

The Struggle for Medals

Despite having a population of 1.4 billion, India faces several challenges in securing more Olympic medals:

  • Potential vs. Performance: The large population should theoretically contribute to more athletic success, but this potential often does not convert into medals.
  • Funding and Training: The Indian government invested ₹470 crore in 16 sports disciplines, yet the outcomes have been underwhelming. This raises questions about the effectiveness of current strategies.
  • Mass Participation: Greater access to sports facilities, especially in rural areas, is essential for encouraging participation.
  • Sporting Culture: Schools and communities must foster a culture that values sports alongside academics.
  • Diverse Sports: While cricket is popular, sports like badminton, wrestling, athletics, and boxing need more support and recognition.
  • Infrastructure Maintenance: Developing new facilities is important, but maintaining existing ones is equally crucial.

The Changing Landscape

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) plays a pivotal role in enhancing sports infrastructure and coaching. Recent initiatives like the Khelo India Scheme, launched in 2018, aim to develop grassroots sports by providing financial support and identifying young talent. Out of the 117 athletes in Paris, 28 were Khelo India athletes.

Infrastructure Investments

India is working on approximately 100 sports facilities that meet international standards, supported by two key initiatives:

  • National Investment Pipeline (NIP): With over 90 projects planned, including stadiums and sports complexes, there is a total investment of $1.49 billion.
  • National Monetization Pipeline (NMP): This initiative focuses on monetizing national stadiums and SAI regional centers through partnerships with private companies.
Encouraging Private Participation

The sports sector, once plagued by underfunding and corruption, is now seeing private players stepping in to support elite athletes. This shift is crucial for developing a robust sports ecosystem.

Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)

Launched in 2014, the TOPS program identifies and prepares athletes with medal potential. Key aspects include:

  • Elite Athlete Identification: A dedicated committee selects athletes in high-priority sports such as archery, badminton, boxing, hockey, shooting, and wrestling.
  • Financial Support: Selected athletes receive tailored financial assistance to enhance their training and preparation.

Why In News

The recently concluded Paris Olympics saw the Indian contingent return with six medals, finishing with an overall ranking of 71st out of 84 countries, which starkly highlights the discrepancy between the substantial investment in sports and the actual outcomes achieved, prompting a critical examination of the country’s sporting strategies and infrastructure.

MCQs about India at the Paris Olympics: A Mixed Bag of Success and Struggles

  1. What was India’s overall ranking at the recently concluded Paris Olympics?
    A. 47th
    B. 71st
    C. 84th
    D. 124th
    Correct Answer: B. 71st
    Explanation: India ranked 71st out of 84 countries at the Paris Olympics, reflecting a significant gap between investment in sports and actual outcomes.
  2. Which Indian athlete won a silver medal in the javelin event at the Paris Olympics?
    A. Manu Bhaker
    B. Mirabhai Chanu
    C. Neeraj Chopra
    D. Abhinav Bindra
    Correct Answer: C. Neeraj Chopra
    Explanation: Neeraj Chopra secured a silver medal in javelin, continuing his legacy as a top athlete for India in the Olympics.
  3. What initiative was launched in 2018 to promote grassroots sports in India?
    A. Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)
    B. Khelo India Scheme
    C. Sports Authority of India (SAI)
    D. National Investment Pipeline (NIP)
    Correct Answer: B. Khelo India Scheme
    Explanation: The Khelo India Scheme was launched in 2018 to create a robust sports ecosystem at the grassroots level, providing financial support and nurturing young talent.
  4. Which of the following sports disciplines is NOT mentioned as a high-priority sport in the TOPS program?
    A. Archery
    B. Cricket
    C. Boxing
    D. Wrestling
    Correct Answer: B. Cricket
    Explanation: The TOPS program focuses on high-priority sports like archery, boxing, and wrestling, but cricket is not listed among them in the context of this program.

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