Gagan Narang Hails India's Performance at Paris Olympics, Eyes Strategic Roadmap for 2028

Chef de Mission Gagan Narang praised India's performance at the recent Paris Olympics, where Indian athletes won six medals. He emphasized the need for a strategic plan to boost participation for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Narang also highlighted the importance of building a strong sports culture and improving athlete support systems.

Chef de Mission Gagan Narang lauded India's performance in the recently concluded Paris Olympics, highlighting a need for a strategic roadmap to boost participation in the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

A total of 117 Indian athletes competed across 16 disciplines, earning India six medals—one silver and five bronze.

''Firstly, I congratulate the medal winners. A total of 6 medals (1 silver, 5 bronze) is a commendable effort,'' said Narang, anticipating his return from the French capital.

While Narang expressed some disappointment over near-misses, including six fourth-place finishes, he emphasized the importance of learning from these close calls to better future performances. A bronze medalist in shooting at the London Olympics, Narang urged National Sports Federations (NSFs) to create a comprehensive roadmap to increase Indian participation in future Games.

''We must find ways to build a strong sports culture and increase the number of participations from India. That should be our goal for this new Olympic cycle,'' he stated.

Narang stressed the importance of teaching athletes how to both win and graciously accept defeat. His observations will be compiled into a detailed report for the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Highlighting the need for systemic support, Narang called for strategic planning around athletes' career trajectories, including financial literacy and post-retirement opportunities within sports organizations. ''Only then will parents and the athletes feel secure to pursue sport professionally and invest their time and efforts in it,'' he noted.

(With inputs from agencies.)