India! Has Arrived

Abhijaat Sehkhar

In a remarkable display of sporting prowess and determination, the Indian contingent has left an indelible mark at the recently held Asian Games, clinching an impressive tally of over 100 medals. The nation’s athletes, representing various disciplines, showcased their dedication, talent, and relentless pursuit of excellence. With a mix of veterans and emerging stars, India’s  remarkable performance at the Asian Games has not only brought pride to the nation but also underscored the potential and bright future of Indian sports. This historic achievement reflects the culmination of years of rigorous training, unwavering commitment, and unyielding support from the government, sports authorities, and the people of India, which was missing in a country like ours which only cared about cricket.

The Indian contingent’s success extends beyond the sheer number of medals; it signifies a transformative moment in the country's sporting landscape. It sends a powerful message to the world that India is no longer a mere participant but a formidable contender in the global sporting arena. The Asian Games' success is a source of inspiration for budding athletes nationwide, motivating them to dream big, work hard, and strive for excellence. As India’s athletes continue to break barriers and raise the bar, for the first time we see the nation glued to their screens, rooting for their beloved athletes to conquer the world of sports and not just cricket.

The self-belief of the Indian contingent in the sporting world has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Historically, India was often considered an underdog on the global sports stage, with limited success in international competitions. However, a paradigm shift has occurred, and Indian athletes are now demonstrating unprecedented confidence and self-belief.

One of the key factors contributing to this transformation is the emergence of role models and trailblazers in various sports. We have also given superstars to the athletic world like Neeraj Chopra in javelin, Nikhat Zareen in boxing, and P.V. Sindhu in badminton. These players have not only achieved tremendous success but have also inspired a new generation of athletes.

Their stories of overcoming adversity and achieving excellence have instilled a sense of self- belief in aspiring athletes across the country.

The Indian government has also played a crucial role by investing in sports infrastructure, coaching, and athlete development programs. Initiatives like the “Khelo India” program have identified and nurtured young talents from grassroots levels, bolstering their self-confidence and belief in their abilities. Moreover, the establishment of world-class training facilities and academies has provided athletes with the resources they need to compete at the highest level.

Another significant factor is the changing mindset of Indian athletes. They are no longer content with merely participating; they are determined to win medals and excel on the global stage. This shift in attitude has been evident in events like the Olympics and Paralympics, where Indian athletes have consistently delivered exceptional performances, breaking records and earning medals. Furthermore, increased media coverage and sponsorship opportunities have boosted the morale of Indian athletes. The recognition and support they receive from fans and corporate partners have reinforced their self-belief and motivated them to push their limits.

The self-belief of the Indian contingent in the sporting world has soared to new heights. With the right mix of talent, determination, support, and infrastructure, Indian athletes now approach international competitions with unwavering confidence, aiming not just to participate but to dominate and bring glory to the nation. This transformation marks a promising era for Indian sports, where self-belief serves as the driving force behind unprecedented success on the global stage. The country's mindset is changing, as we are growing and when the prime minister himself keeps a personal connection with the athletes whether they bring a medal or not. Whether they win or lose you will often see the prime minister on a call with these athletes keeping their determination strong. Another leader who cannot be ignored when we discuss this new era of Indian sports is the CM of Orissa Naveen Patnaik who single-handedly pulled Indian hockey out of Its grave which was almost dug by the previous authorities.

But who would’ve thought that a country like India would cross an unimaginable 100+ medals on the tally in Huangzhou. Even though the Chinese authorities are continuously nagging at every step, the rest of Asia is stunned to see this tremendous performance by the Indian contingent.

These achievements are also important since for a long time, a section of Indians with their colonial hangover were fooled into believing the narrative that Indians were genetically weak and stood no chance in front of the Americans and Europeans which also acted as a mental block for the whole country.

When it came to sports this reminds me of a story I heard years ago, a leader asked an IAS Officer why India doesn’t deliver in football on the global stage despite conducting one of the oldest football tournaments in the world, “The Durand Cup”. The Officer said ‘’aree sir!!, genetics, look at them and look at our players”. But this theory has been proven wrong after the improvement we saw in recent times in our football team which gave us hope that India will and can achieve in any sport they want to as long as they believe in themselves.

Our 100+ medals in Huangzhou are just the beginning of letting the world know that India has arrived and there is no looking back from here for this new India.