A Larger but More Balanced Contingent
India is gearing up for the Paris Olympics 2024 with a 257-strong contingent, including 117 athletes and 140 support staff. This marks a notable shift compared to the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, where the contingent size was 228, including 121 athletes. The increase in the number of support staff underscores a strategic move by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to enhance athlete performance through better support.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports cleared the final list, with the Games set to begin on July 26. In a letter to IOA chief PT Usha, the ministry outlined the logistics, noting that 67 support personnel will reside in the Games Village, adhering to the Paris Organising Committee's norms. The remaining 72 support staff, approved at the government's expense, will stay outside the village, ensuring comprehensive support for the athletes.
Improved Support Staff Ratio
A significant improvement from the Tokyo Olympics is the athlete-to-support staff ratio. Previously, the ratio was typically 3:1, but for Paris, it has been improved to slightly better than 1:1. PT Usha emphasized that this change was a deliberate effort to provide athletes with more individualized attention and support.
The list of support staff reveals some interesting insights. Athletics and shooting, which together include 50 athletes, have the highest number of supporting officials at 35. Shooting alone sees a record-breaking contingent of 21 athletes accompanied by 18 officials. Wrestling, with a 6-member contingent, will have 12 support staff members.
However, some issues have arisen, particularly with wrestler Antim Panghal’s team. Usha criticized the ad-hoc wrestling committee for initially excluding Antim's coach and physiotherapist from the long list sent to the Olympic Games Organising Committee. This oversight was corrected only after intervention from Antim's father and subsequent clearance by the Ministry, highlighting the importance of efficient administrative processes in supporting athletes.
Medal Prospects and Star Performers
India aims to surpass its previous Olympic achievements in Paris. The country returned from Tokyo with its best-ever tally of seven medals, including a historic gold in track and field by Neeraj Chopra. For Paris, five key sports federations have projected a combined medal haul of approximately 10.
The Athletics Federation of India expects two medals from athletics, while boxing has predicted three. Badminton, archery, and weightlifting have also set high expectations, with badminton aiming for "three" medals and archery and weightlifting each targeting one medal.
The spotlight will be on returning medalists from Tokyo. Neeraj Chopra, who made history in javelin, will be a central figure once again. PV Sindhu, recently named as a flagbearer alongside table tennis veteran Achanta Sharath Kamal, will strive for a third Olympic medal. The men’s hockey team, which ended a four-decade medal drought with a bronze in Tokyo, will aim to match or better that achievement. Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu and boxer Lovlina Borgohain will also seek to join the elite club of multiple Olympic medalists from India.
Final Thoughts
India's preparations for the Paris Olympics 2024 reflect a meticulous and strategic approach aimed at maximizing athlete performance and medal prospects. The increased support staff and improved ratio demonstrate a commitment to providing athletes with the necessary resources to excel on the world stage. With a blend of experienced medalists and promising new talent, India is poised to make a significant impact at the Games.
Inputs by Agencies
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