The near misses hit harder- Olympics 2024.

The recent 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris have been a mixed bag of emotions for the nation. We’ve seen our athletes give their all, pushing their limits and proudly representing the tricolour. Yet, most of us are left pained with the bitter taste of fourth-place finishes, narrowly missing the podium by a whisker.

We speak of the reality when such a large and now fairly sports-centric nation moans the near bronze misses. We moan because now, more than ever, we know that we can win, and we have the sportsperson who can compete with the world's best.

This near finish naturally leads to a wave of complaints and criticisms. Debates and discussions. I urge all the stakeholders to follow PaRAM- Pause- Reflect-Analyse and Move ahead with the learnings. Today, we are seeing the results from our past efforts, and a dedicated mission approach is starting to show results. So, Look at what this truly signifies and then plan and implement the plans a lot better.

With its vast population and rich history, India has every right to dream of gold, silver, and bronze. Our sportspersons, too, enter tournaments with the hope and determination to emerge as champions. However, when we chastise them for not bringing home a medal, we often overlook their immense progress, the barriers they’ve broken, and the sweat and tears they’ve shed to get so close to victory.

While valid, our expectations must also be balanced with a deep understanding of these athletes' journeys. They are on the stage because they are the best in their field. Think of the efforts and sacrifices sportspersons like Vinesh, Deepa, and Meera make in their lives. What pain do they feel when their dream slips through their grasp?

As a nation, it’s time for some introspection. We must not only ask questions but act. ?

There are many questions we need to answer. A few of them have the answer embedded in the question. Sometimes, we know the answer but sidestep the processes required to remove the constraints. We are happy living in a short span of glory and carrying the pain of defeat far too long.

We have too often hidden behind the ‘greatness doesn’t come overnight’ thought. The nation's patience is running out. It demands disciplined work, unrelenting passion, and fire in the belly to compete and conquer. Somewhere, we must also be doing something right, as our performance has been improving. We need to not only do the same thing better but maybe reevaluate and realign our energies and processes, learn from other successful sports federations, and adopt what is relevant.

Why do we struggle to consistently produce winners on the world stage despite our focus and approach?

It’s not that we don’t aim higher or make the effort. However, do we plan meticulously and then execute it to precision? Do we support and promote the sportsperson through every stage? Do we give them a sense of security and peace to completely dedicate themselves and not worry about other things? Do we appreciate, promote, and celebrate children wanting to be sportspersons? Do parents take physical education, sports and other such activities seriously enough?

Why must our champions and heroes keep searching for support and sponsors to ensure the right coaching and support staff—or even participate in a tournament? Why do the brands line up with endorsements and deals in the moment of success but do not associate and invest in the future and support the sportsperson much before the ultimate test? Why must support follow success? ?Would it not be better to adopt one sport at each state level, invest in talent and fund their efforts for success like reverse mortgaging? Invest and reap the benefit of the association at a later date.

We need to ensure that merit, and merit alone, dictates selection, fostering a culture where the best are given the opportunity to shine. The system is not entirely rotten. However, more sportspersons who understand the requirements of sports administration—selection and management—need to be selected and included. At the same time, we must restrict the degree and control of people with social-regional and political agendas.

As citizens, we must support our athletes, celebrating their efforts and motivating them to strive for more. That includes standing by their side when they fail to meet expectations, helping them rise when they fall, and helping them start the quest again.

We must start the culture of Can and Do rather than Can’t and Don’t and ingrain it in the children as they grow. Give them the confidence they need and then hope that the number of sports-oriented people and culture will result in a quality champion sportsperson.

India has the potential to be a sporting powerhouse. Let’s channel our collective energy into nurturing this potential, ensuring that we are not pacified with participation in future Olympics but have realistic hope for gold and work tirelessly to achieve it.