From Dreams To Dashes: India’s Olympic Heartbreaks in Paris

By: Anisha Gupta

Indian athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics repeatedly came close to winning medals but fell short in crucial moments. Despite exceptional performances, including narrow misses in shooting and archery, they highlight India's improved sports development. The challenge now is converting potential into podium finishes.

Manu Bhaker missed her third medal by a whisker in the women's 25m pistol event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. She, who was in strong contention, edged out in a shoot-off against Hungary’s Veronika Major, finishing fourth. This near-miss is part of a larger trend where several Indian athletes have come agonizingly close to securing medals, displaying their exceptional skills but falling short at the last moment. The Paris Olympics 2024 has been a testament to the improved performance of Indian athletes, who have consistently reached the top 10 in numerous events.  

Indian shooters have consistently shown remarkable performances, yet narrow margins have often kept them off the podium. In the mixed team skeet event, Maheshwari Chauhan and Anantjeet Singh Naruka narrowly missed advancing to the medal rounds, finishing just shy of the top spots in the qualifications. In archery, Deepika Kumari’s journey ended in the quarterfinals, where she lost to South Korea’s Nam Suhyeon. Leading 4-2 after three sets, a seven-point arrow in the fourth set cost her the match. Kumari was outscored 29-27 in the final set, thus missing the opportunity to advance further. In the women’s singles, top Indian shuttlers have frequently found themselves in the quarterfinals, only to be edged out by the narrowest of margins. The quarterfinal exits of prominent players have underscored the challenge of converting strong performances into podium finishes.  

Vinesh Phogat's participation in the Paris Olympics ended due to disqualification for being overweight. Competing in the 50kg weight category, Phogat defeated World No. 1 Yui Susaki in the opening round and advanced through the quarter-final and semi-final, becoming the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic wrestling final. However, she was disqualified before the final match, which prevented her from competing for a medal. 

While the repeated fourth-place finishes for Indian athletes at the Paris Olympics are undoubtedly disappointing, they also highlight a significant shift in Indian sports. The mere fact that India is consistently reaching the final stages of major competitions is a testament to the strides made in sports development and training. This consistent presence on the world stage is a foundation upon which future gold medals can be built. 

The Indian cricket team, after winning the Champions Trophy in 2013, repeatedly faltered at the semi-final and final stages of the Cricket World Cup and T-20 World Cup until they finally clinched the T-20 World Cup last month. Despite their talent and consistent performance, they often stumbled at the last hurdle, raising questions about the team’s ability to handle pressure and finish strong. The recurring theme for Indian athletes at the Paris Olympics has been the need to find that extra point or two that separates a medal winner from a fourth-place finisher. Despite their stellar performances, the final push in crucial moments remains a hurdle. This challenge has been highlighted by former badminton player Prakash Padukone criticizing the Indian athletes for not doing enough at the last stage, emphasizing the need for stronger mental fortitude and strategic precision to clinch medals.  

The mental aspect of sports performance cannot be overstated. The pressure to deliver for a billion-plus population can be immense. While physical preparation is crucial, athletes must also be equipped to handle the psychological demands of high-pressure situations. Incorporating sports psychologists into the training regimen could be a significant change. The quality of coaching can significantly impact an athlete's performance. While India has produced world-class athletes, the coaching infrastructure, especially at the grassroots level, needs improvement. Identifying and nurturing young talent, providing access to top-tier coaches, and creating a robust coaching education system are crucial steps. 

The Indian sports ecosystem must come together to analyse the reasons behind these near-misses. A comprehensive review of training methods, equipment, nutrition, and mental conditioning is essential. By understanding the gaps, targeted interventions can be implemented to bridge the gap between fourth place and the podium. 

India's sporting journey is one of immense potential. While the current scenario is frustrating, it also provides a platform for growth and improvement. As India continues to shine at the international level, the focus must now shift to overcoming these final hurdles. Whether it is in archery, boxing, shooting, or hockey, Indian athletes have shown they have talent and determination. The next step is converting these close calls into podium finishes, ensuring that their hard work and dedication result in the medals they so richly deserve. The question remains: Will Indians keep stumbling at the last hurdle, or will they develop the killer instinct needed to clinch those coveted medals?