Issues affected India’s performance at the Paris Olympics

Source: The post issues affected India’s performance at the Paris Olympics has been created, based on the article “Single digits: India needs to broaden its sport base for success in Olympics” published in “The Hindu” on 14th August 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2

Context: The article discusses India’s underwhelming performance at the Paris Olympics, where it won only six medals, down from seven in Tokyo 2020. It highlights the need for broader participation, better funding distribution, and improved governance in Indian sports.

How did India perform at the Paris Olympics?

1. India won six medals (one silver and five bronze) at the Paris Olympics, which was fewer than the seven medals won at Tokyo 2020.
2. Standout performers were shooters Manu Bhaker, Sarabjot Singh, and Swapnil Kusale, along with wrestler Aman Sehrawat.
3. Neeraj Chopra added a silver medal to his Tokyo gold, and the men’s hockey team secured a podium finish for the second time in a row.

What issues affected India’s performance?

1. Limited Sports Presence: India had near-zero participation in sports like swimming and gymnastics.
2. Reliance on Few Athletes: Success depended heavily on a select few, like Neeraj Chopra, who added silver to his Tokyo gold.
3. Disqualifications: Wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified for exceeding the weight limit.
4. Governance Issues: Nepotism and corruption within sports federations hindered broader participation and equitable funding.

What Should be Done?

1. Improve Funding Distribution: Funds should be allocated more equitably to support grassroots development, avoiding over-reliance on select sports.
2. Enhance Governance: The Union Sports Ministry should enforce the National Sports Code and decentralize governance to combat corruption and nepotism.
3. Fix Accountability: Federations must be held accountable for poor performances, ensuring transparency and fairness in sports administration.

What 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.

Question for practice:

Discuss the factors that contributed to India’s underwhelming performance at the Paris Olympics.