If the performance by the Indian sportspersons in the International Competitions and particularly in the ongoing Commonwealth Games is any indication, we are in for some exciting times leading to the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024. With heightened expectations on the back of some serious showing by the Indian contingent, it is time that there is a resolute, pointed and unflinching focus for medals in Paris.
The sporting space in India is undoubtedly ruled by Cricket but slowly and steadily some other sports are making reasonable headway too. Considering the Paris Olympics just a couple of years hence, I have shortlisted 5 events apart from Hockey and Wrestling where we stand a great chance of winning several medals. The potential is unquestionable and therefore we need to prepare our athletes with the finest training, the best coaches, the best physios, the best psychologists so that we don’t fall short and are able to bridge the gap between performance and potential at the highest levels.
1. Archery
Since the days of the legendary Limba Ram, we have always been medal contenders at the Olympics and despite some great showing at World Championships and other International Events, we unfortunately have been without podium positions at the Olympics. Deepika Kumari the world’s top archer has been surprisingly without a medal .The burden of expectations on her shoulders has been rather heavy which may have affected her performance. The problem is absolutely identifiable and I am certain would addressed before we arrive in Paris in 2024. It’s time to break the jinx .
2. Badminton
PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal have led the resurgence of Badminton in India and have been Olympic Medal Winners. Moreover the Indian victory at the Thomas Cup this year has made India a formidable medal challenger in both the individual and Team events. Kidambi Srikanth and the young Lakshya Sen have been doing extremely well on the world stage and have a great chance of snatching a medal in 2024, not to forget the doubles pairing of Chirag Shetty and Satviksairaj. With P Gopichand at the helm of affairs we can expect a good haul at the Olympics. The focus just has to be unflinching.
3. Boxing
India has always had a strong Boxing contingent and with the advent of Nikhat Zareen, the World Champion and the 21 year Nitu Ghanghas ( considered to be one of the quickest movers in the world ) we can expect a strong showing at Paris. The men with likes of Amit Panghal, M Hussamuddin and Ashish Kumar too will pose a strong challenge for the medals. Their good showing in the on going Commonwealth Games is proof enough. The talent is immense and there is a hunger too. Watch out for our pugilists.
4. Shooting
We have been world beaters in shooting with a mighty strong talent pool, but still barring Abhinav Bindra and Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Olympic glory has been elusive. The likes of Manu Bhakar, Apurvi Chandela, Anjum Moudgil, Sanjay Rajput etc have done splendidly in the past and should be strong medal contenders in 2024. Its just that they should be supported with the best possible preparation and made available the best possible tools for it. Medals in shooting are up for the taking we just need to find bulls eye.
5. Weightlifting
The inspirational Mirabai Chanu and a slew of medals at the Commonwealth Games have raised my expectations for Paris 2024. With Mirabai assuring a medal , Jeremy Lalrinnunga and Achinta Sheuli have to raise their game a few notches up to snatch a medal at Paris, which appears a possibility . Again the preparation has to be spot on.
Apart from these 5 events, Neeraj Chopra, our champion athlete, the Hockey team ( both men and women ) and our brave Wrestlers have been India’s best bets and again in Paris 2024 would be delivering medals for us.
I am really excited and I hope we have a windfall of medals at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
And please don’t be surprised, my optimism is not misplaced. We have the potential and we shall do it.