As the curtain falls on the Paris Olympics 2024, India’s aspiration to secure a double-digit medal tally has once again stumbled. The addition of Aman Sherawat’s bronze medal brings the nation’s total to 1 silver and 5 bronze medals. With the outcome of Vinesh Phogat’s silver medal appeal pending, it seems India will again finish with fewer than 10 medals. This disappointing result contrasts starkly with the potential glory that could have been achieved, had some of the near-misses been converted into podium finishes.
The Games were marked by six athletes finishing in fourth place, a statistic that underscores the thin line between success and failure:
- Lakshya Sen in Badminton
- Manu Bhaker in Women’s 25m Air Rifle Shooting
- Arjun Babuta in Men’s 10m Air Rifle Shooting
- Ankita Bhakat and Dhiraj Bommadevara in Mixed Team Archery
- Maheshwari Chauhan and Anant Jeet Singh Naruka in Skeet Mixed Team Shooting
- Mirabai Chanu in Women’s 49kg Weightlifting
These near misses evoke painful memories of past heartbreaks in Indian sports, echoing the close losses experienced by the Indian cricket team during the 1990s. Significant instances of near-victory include:
- 1996 Cricket World Cup Semi-Final: India’s loss to Sri Lanka on home soil, a match that ended in disappointment for the host nation.
- Bridgetown, Barbados Test of 1997: India, requiring 120 runs to win, was all-out for 81, falling short in a crucial Test.
- 1999 Chennai Test: India’s collapse while chasing a modest target, with Sachin Tendulkar’s brilliant innings falling just short, leading to a 12-run defeat by Pakistan.
These historical moments of near-success are not isolated. Indian sports history includes close calls with glory, such as:
- Milkha Singh at the 1960 Rome Olympics, who narrowly missed a medal in the 400 meters.
- PT Usha at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, finishing fourth in the 400 meters hurdles by a fraction.
- Dipa Karmakar in the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she finished fourth in gymnastics, missing out on a medal.
These instances illustrate that while skill and dedication are crucial, mental strength plays a pivotal role in achieving success. The ability to perform under pressure, manage adversity, and maintain focus often determines the outcome. Steve Waugh’s approach to mental strength, where he used psychological tactics to disrupt opponents, highlights the importance of this aspect of sports.
Indian athletes must therefore elevate their mental conditioning alongside their physical training. Techniques such as creative visualization, positive self-talk, resilience training, meditation, and simulation programs are essential for building mental resilience. A notable example is Sachin Tendulkar’s preparation against Shane Warne’s spin bowling during the 1998 series. Tendulkar’s focused practice on a rough pitch helped him counter Warne’s strategies, demonstrating the power of mental and physical preparation in overcoming challenges.
To advance India’s position on the global sports stage, a cultural shift towards valuing and enhancing mental toughness is necessary. This involves integrating experienced management professionals, mental conditioning coaches, and motivational experts into athletes’ training regimens.
Moreover, mental strength extends beyond sports into daily life, academics, and the workplace. As the world becomes increasingly complex, with diverse work environments and rapidly evolving technology, developing mental resilience is crucial for navigating these changes effectively.
In conclusion, as India looks ahead to future Olympic Games, the focus must shift to cultivating mental strength. The adage, “It’s not about the setback. It’s about how you come back that matters,” rings true. Preparing athletes to handle both triumphs and setbacks with resilience and determination will be key to turning future Olympic dreams into reality.
(The views expressed are those of the author, a former management professional now engaged in entrepreneurship. For further contact: sandeep.meet@gmail.com)
