Is India on Path to Olympic Gold?: A Deep Dive into Athletes and Expectations
India's annual journey to the Olympic Games is a tale of inconsistency and high expectations. Each Games, we witness a cycle of excitement, anticipation, and often, disappointment. However, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, despite being postponed, has seen a glimmer of hope and success with the emergence of key athletes. This article delves into the current status of Indian athletes' performances, the factors pushing them forward, and the challenges they face in their quest for Olympic gold.
The Triumph of Neeraj Chopra: A Note of Pride and Hope
No one can deny the significance of Neeraj Chopra's gold medal in the javelin event during the Tokyo Olympics 2021. It came when all was at stake, on the last day of the Games, at the very last moment. This unexpected victory not only marked India's first gold medal in athletics but also redefined the narrative surrounding Indian athletes.
Like many Indian fans, I was filled with suspense and apprehension as I watched Neeraj compete. The thought of him potentially choking was a constant worry, but he managed to surpass all these doubts. His gold medal victory was a stark contrast to the usual narrative of Indian athletes' underperformance. It was a testament to his talent and mental resilience. Many fans, myself included, have taken to calling Neeraj a fan of the popular Indian TV series, Money Heist, as his dramatic win mirrored the twists and turns of the show.
Consistency and Current Olympic Performance
India has been steadily improving in the Olympic arena over the past few decades. While we consistently secure 1-2 medals, the performance has been more robust in recent years, often landing around 3 medals. The only exception was the impressive 2012 Olympics, where we managed to bring home 6 medals.
With Olympic gold medals confirmed for our shooting contingent, we are hopeful for additional gains from hockey and wrestling. The improvements in infrastructural support and changes in political climate have played a significant role in this progress. However, the road ahead is still fraught with challenges. The enhanced commitment and dedication of the younger generation of athletes show promise, and their contributions need to be acknowledged and rewarded.
The Shooting Contingent: Hopes and Disappointments
India's high hopes for a gold medal rested heavily on our shooters. The last two World Cup cycles (2019-2021) witnessed exceptional performances from our shooters, with a total of 12 medals. Key shooters such as Saurabh Choudhury, Abhishek Verma, Divyansh Panwar, Deepak Kumar, Manu Bhaker, Yashaswini Deswal, Elavenil Valaviran, and Apurvi Chandela have collectively made a mark in the shooting events.
However, despite their stellar performance, only one shooter, Saurabh Choudhary, managed to qualify for the finals. The disappointing statistic that no air rifle shooters qualified for the finals since 1996 highlights the broader challenges in shooting. The reasons behind this underperformance need to be addressed to provide more opportunities for Indian shooters to shine on the international stage.
Emerging Stars and Future Prospects
Besides Neeraj Chopra and the shooting contingent, other athletes are making waves. Vinesh Phogat, a top seed, has a strong track record with no defeats in 2021. Bajrang Punia, with two world medals and an Asian title, is expected to avoid the world champion until the finals. PV Sindhu, a formidable badminton player, increased her medal prospects with the absence of Carolina Marín. Additionally, Amit Phangal, the top seed, beat a world bronze medalist in his last tournament.
The success of these athletes sets a precedent and instills hope in the Indian sporting community. Their achievements are noteworthy and serve as inspiration for future generations. The Indian Sports Federation and the government should continue to provide the necessary support and infrastructure to ensure our athletes can compete on an international stage and secure more medals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while India has a ways to go to achieve a breakout performance in Olympic gold medals, the current trajectory is promising. The performances of athletes like Neeraj Chopra and the shooting contingent show that we are on the right path. With continued support, training, and investment, India can hope to secure more medals in the upcoming Olympic Games and beyond. Neeraj's win serves as a beacon of hope for future generations of Indian athletes.