It is depressing for any Indian to look at the medals’ tally in the ongoing Olympics. Its latest standing on Thursday was 67th, with even tiny nations ahead of it. It is natural for any one to wonder how a nation that comprises one-sixth of humanity should fail to win a proportionate share of medals. While any achievement by the athletes is admirable, these are more to be celebrated at the individual level.
India’s aspirational level is much higher than is being displayed at the Olympics. Everybody knows what the reasons are for the failures. It will take time to transform potential into outcomes, but going by the present rate, it may take another generation to do so. Also, with the high level of competition, getting that tiny winning edge in the present requires not just personal ability but the backing of a system that today involves a complex network of specialists in disciplines like AI, statistical modelling, detailed information on the competition, even an intelligent understanding of the rules, as the Vinesh Phogat incident has made everyone aware.
It is interesting to note that, while Indians have not won the number of medals targeted, they have been in contention almost till the last in their chosen events. As such, India can presently be described as ‘fourth placers’! The athletes have been losing by a whisker – that tiny gap that is most difficult to overcome. A good example of that is none other than Lakshya Sen, whose ability was the equal of the eventual winners – he could not just put in the effort when tactically most required. At least in his case, he just needs greater experience at the topmost level to make it big.
Fourth placers are the future challengers, that much is certain. A lot has been done to promote sports in the country, but it is not enough when considered from the point of view of requirements. India has been offering its challenge by identifying and promoting talent. It should go beyond that and ‘develop’ talent by introducing specific disciplines to very large numbers among pre-teens. Also, priority should be given to sports that are cheaper and easier to pursue. And, at the level of sports federations and associations, the right kind of leadership is required – not just manipulators in it for the perks. Imaginative and up to date vision will bring about the results within the desired period of time.
