Anand Mahindra, the Chairman of Mahindra Group, expressed a sense of distress over India’s plummeting overall Olympic ranking despite the country’s commendable medal wins at the Paris Olympics. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mahindra acknowledged his pride in the Indian athletes who secured medals, but expressed confusion and disappointment at the overall standings.
Mahindra acknowledged the significant investments made by the government and private sector in promoting sports, citing improved infrastructure, generous incentives, and increased public interest in athletes. He specifically mentioned the contributions of Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ) and Jindal Sports, along with the growing emphasis on sports in schools. However, he questioned the factors that prevented India from discovering and nurturing world-class talent in Olympic sports.
India secured a total of six medals at the Paris Olympics, including a silver in Javelin throw and five bronzes – three in shooting, one in men’s hockey, and one in shooting. Notably, Indian shooter Manu Bhaker made history by becoming the first Indian athlete to win two bronze medals and secured a place in the final of the 25m sports pistol. Meanwhile, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) decision on wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification is expected to be announced on August 13.
Mahindra’s statement highlights a complex issue surrounding India’s performance at international sporting events. While acknowledging the strides made in developing sports infrastructure and fostering a supportive environment, he raises critical questions about the effectiveness of existing strategies and the need for a deeper analysis to identify and address the underlying challenges.
