{
  "id": 11961939,
  "title": "The Rise Of India As A Sporting Nation",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/the-rise-of-india-as-a-sporting-nation",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-04T16:09:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/analysis/the-rise-of-india-as-a-sporting-nation"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "India has once again proven itself as a sporting nation, albeit still trailing behind China and Japan, as evidenced by its fourth-place finish at the recent Asian Games in Japan's Aichi Nagoya. The nation earned 21 gold medals and a total of 85 medals, falling short of the previous Asian Games haul of 106 medals, but there is no cause for despair. Most teams and athletes met their expectations, with the exception of the shooting squad, which underperformed slightly. Despite this, China and Japan continue to dominate the Olympics, with China claiming 88 gold medals in Tokyo and Japan bringing home 27 gold medals.\n\nThe Asian Games, often compared to a mini-Olympics, are becoming increasingly Afro-Asian, with Gulf states like Qatar and Bahrain fielding top African runners in their squads, as if national boundaries are no longer relevant. These African athletes claimed at least three gold medals from India in track and field events. It is high time that regulations for nationalizing athletes, particularly those from Africa, are reinforced.\n\nOf the 27 silver medals won by India, at least 10 could have been transformed into gold with better strategy and a heightened desire to claim the top spot. The silver and bronze medalists expressed satisfaction with their performances, rather than lamenting the loss of a gold. This mindset should be instilled in all athletes, following the Djokovic approach: always strive to be number one and never settle for second place. Indian athletes such as Gulveer Singh, who won two silvers and a bronze, should focus on strategic improvement and never settle for the white metal.\n\nTop foreign coaches have played a role in instilling these strategic thoughts in Indian athletes, but there remains significant room for improvement. Our women athletes, primarily from Haryana, have shone brightly, emerging from a patriarchal society to inspire others. These women have won medals, thrown wrestlers to the ground, flattened boxers with powerful hooks, and scorched the tracks, embodying pride and determination. These symbols represent a new India. Haryana, a small state, is leading the Indian sports revolution. Will India emerge as the Asian champion in the next decade? Unlikely. There is no overarching plan, and sports ministers show little interest in their roles. The Sports Authority of India is a cumbersome, sluggish bureaucracy, and stadiums are left neglected. Nonetheless, the medals won are a testament to personal determination and the pursuit of glory.",
  "summary": "The just-concluded Asian Games in Japan’s Aichi Nagoya have again established India as a sporting nation, though far behind China and Japan, finishing fourth with 21 golds and a total haul of 85 medals. The tally is behind the last Asian Games haul of 106 medals, but there is no reason for dismay. What is important is that most of the teams and athletes performed to expectation. The shooting…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}