Olympics 2024: Will India Make a Mark?

As India gears up for the upcoming Olympics, the excitement and anticipation among the populace is palpable. The words of Swami Chinmayananda resonate deeply with this spirit: ‘Work is inspired work where the worker never understands tiredness, exhaustion. The joy of the work itself replenishes the true worker.’ This thought perfectly encapsulates the journey and dedication of India's athletes as they prepare to compete on the world stage.From the early triumphs of Norman Pritchard in 1900 to the recent historic medal haul at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Indians have celebrated every milestone with immense pride. The legacy of the Indian Men's Field Hockey Team's dominance, particularly from the mid-20th century, continues to inspire generations of athletes and sports enthusiasts. Their relentless pursuit of excellence mirrors Swami Chinmayananda's teachings, where the joy of the work itself replenishes the true worker. We have seen it in achievers like Neeraj Chopra, Abhinav Bindra, PV Sindhu, and several other Olympian medallists..Post-independence, India has marked its presence with remarkable achievements across various sports. The transition from the golden era of hockey to the emergence of individual medallists in wrestling, shooting, badminton, and weightlifting underscores the nation's growing stature on the global sporting stage. Each athlete embodies the philosophy of setting the highest goals, understanding that true fulfilment lies in the relentless effort to achieve them. Swami Chinmayananda's thoughts on goal setting emphasize aiming high and striving relentlessly. ‘Keep the goal so high that you will never reach it.’ This does not mean playing not to win. It means striving to reach the goal is when we grow and that should be our goal. This mindset encourages Indian athletes to dream big and pursue their aspirations with unwavering determination. It's not just about the end result, but about aiming for the stars and constantly pushing one's limits..The passion for the Olympics transcends geographical boundaries and cultural diversity in India. Every success story, every near miss, resonates deeply with millions, fostering a sense of unity and national pride. The support extends beyond mere spectatorship, with grassroots initiatives and governmental efforts aimed at nurturing talent and promoting sports at all levels, echoing the idea that striving towards the highest ideals is where true growth occurs. Bharat is filled with optimism and anticipation, driven by rising stars across various sports disciplines. Promising young wrestlers Ravinder and Sanju Devi have demonstrated their potential with silver medals at the World Junior Wrestling Championships, while badminton player Rutuparna Panda aims for Paris, after impressive performances in national and international competitions..In archery, Komalika Bari and Atul Verma, with Bari as the under-21 youth champion and Verma earning bronze at the Youth Olympic Games, reflect the principle of setting the highest goals and striving tirelessly.Boxers Sachin Siwach and Sakshi Chaudhary, inspired by past champions, are preparing to make their mark in Paris with golds from the AIBA Youth World Championships. Cyclists Esow Alban and Ronaldo Laitonjam are making waves globally, with Alban's silver at the UCI Junior Track Cycling World Championship and Laitonjam's record-breaking at the Track Asia Cup.Shooters Hriday Hazarika, holding a world record in the 10m Air Rifle event, and Shahu Tushar Mane, with a bronze at the Youth Olympic Games, continue to excel. Weightlifters Achinta Sheuli and Jeremy Lalrinnunga, buoyed by Mirabai Chanu's success, are poised to shine with recent record-breaking performances and medals..The future of Indian athletics also looks promising, with long jumper Shaili Singh and runner Priya Mohan achieving personal bests and podium finishes at the World U20 Championships. These young talents understand that the journey towards their goals, filled with inspired work and relentless effort, is where true growth and fulfilment lie.As the nation supports its athletes, the upcoming Olympics will be a testament to their hard work, determination, and the joy they find in their pursuits.