As Day 14 of the Paris 2024 Olympics unfolds, the spotlight is on India, a nation of 1.5 billion, which has thus far achieved a modest haul of one silver and four bronze medals. The absence of gold medals has ignited discussions about the effectiveness of the current sports training and selection methods.
Today’s schedule features key events where Indian athletes will strive to bolster the country’s medal tally, with particular attention on the bronze medal match in wrestling.
India’s athletic ambitions are embodied in the day's events, which include critical contests in golf, athletics, and wrestling. In golf, Aditi Ashok will compete in the third round of the women’s individual event, aiming to build on her previous performances and secure a higher standing. The event will start at 12:30 p.m., and Ashok’s performance will be closely watched as she represents India on the greens of Paris.
In athletics, the women's and men's 4x400m relay heats are scheduled to take place. The women’s team will compete in Heat 2 at 2:22 p.m., while the men’s team will follow in their heat at 2:47 p.m. The relay races are critical for India as they seek to enhance their Olympic presence and showcase the strength and coordination of their relay teams.
The most anticipated event of the day is the bronze medal match in men’s freestyle wrestling, where Amit Sehrawat will face Darian Cruz of Puerto Rico. Sehrawat’s performance in this bout is crucial, not only for securing a medal but also for bolstering India’s overall standing in the Olympics. The match will highlight Sehrawat’s skills and determination as he competes for the bronze medal.
The current Olympic performance raises significant questions about India’s sports development strategy. With no gold medals and only a limited number of bronze and silver medals, there is a growing call for a more scientific and data-driven approach to athlete selection and training. Advocates suggest that incorporating genetic testing and other scientific methods could provide a more precise understanding of an athlete’s potential and tailor training programs to maximize their performance.
As India looks to improve its standing, sports scientists and coaches emphasize the importance of adapting modern techniques and methodologies. The focus is on enhancing athlete selection processes, improving training regimes, and leveraging technology to gain a competitive edge. Such measures could potentially elevate India's performance in future international competitions.
