NEW DELHI: With Los Angeles 2028 approaching, India has limited time to convert continental success into Olympic glory. The recently concluded Asian Games in Japan have delivered both encouragement and a warning: India has the talent to challenge Asia’s best, but translating that promise into medals against the world’s finest athletes will demand sharper preparation, scientific training and greater accountability.
India finished fourth with 85 medals – 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze. Although this was the country’s second-best Asian Games performance, it fell short of the record 107 medals won at the Hangzhou, China Games in 2023. The decline deserves scrutiny, even as athletes’ achievements are celebrated. The priority is to identify what worked, understand where performance slipped and ensure that lessons survive beyond the celebrations.
There are compelling reasons for optimism. Both the men’s and women’s hockey teams won gold, while Indian cricket teams defended their titles. Archery produced outstanding results, boxing secured three gold medals, and wrestling contributed to the haul. Athletics remained the largest contributor with 24 medals, followed by shooting with 15. These performances demonstrate a widening talent pool and growing competitiveness across disciplines.
Yet the medal tally alone cannot establish Olympic readiness. Asian dominance does not necessarily translate into success against the strongest global competitors. Badminton and tennis disappointed, while shooting experienced missed opportunities.
Such uneven performances underline the need for sport-specific assessments rather than a uniform approach to preparation.
The immediate priority must be to identify athletes capable of challenging for medals in Los Angeles and design individual programmes around their requirements. International exposure, specialist coaching, strength and conditioning, sports science, nutrition and psychological preparation must become integral to training. Regular competition against world-class opponents is essential to expose technical weaknesses and test athletes’ ability to perform under pressure well before the Olympics.
India can’t treat Asiad as a destination when the Olympics remain the ultimate test
Sports federations must also be held accountable without allowing administrative failures to undermine athletes. Funding should be linked to transparent objectives, while selection must remain merit-based. Emerging talent from smaller towns and disadvantaged backgrounds needs sustained support, rather than recognition only after breakthrough performances. Continuity in coaching and preparation is equally important; frequent changes in plans can squander years of effort.
India cannot afford to treat the Asian Games as a destination when the Olympics remain the ultimate test. The country’s expanding sporting base offers grounds for confidence, but converting that potential into consistent excellence requires institutions capable of supporting athletes over the long term.
Los Angeles must test whether India has built a sporting system that combines talent identification, professional management, scientific preparation and accountability. The countdown has begun. India has the talent; the decisive question is whether it can provide the discipline, resources and continuity needed to turn promise into Olympic podium finishes.
