The
India concluded the games with a total of 85 medals, comprising 21 gold, 27 silver, and 37 bronze. While the total count remains notable, the figure represents a decrease of 21 medals compared to the previous edition of the tournament. Ministry officials have highlighted that the primary concern lies in the reduction of gold medals, leading to a demand for greater accountability from both national sports federations and individual athletes.
Focus on Accountability and Funding Efficiency
Internal assessments conducted by the ministry have identified a concerning trend regarding established athletes. According to reports, 89 experienced competitors across 23 different disciplines failed to secure a podium finish. Furthermore, the ministry noted a significant discrepancy between financial investment and competitive output, specifically citing approximately ₹27.16 crore spent on 34 athletes across nine disciplines, with shooting and badminton identified as areas of particular underperformance.
The upcoming review, slated for October 13 or 14, will scrutinize the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). Officials indicated that the current structure, which provides extensive financial support based on athlete requests, may undergo significant changes. The ministry’s stance is that while funding is available, it must be matched by proportionate results. Sources within the ministry suggested that some senior athletes appeared to be operating within a comfort zone, failing to push for success in the same manner as the younger debutants who ultimately bolstered the national tally.
Mixed Results Across Disciplines
The 20-day competition did yield some positive developments, including 22 medals across 14 disciplines, with notable breakthroughs in sports such as golf, MMA, and soft tennis. Additionally, team events largely met expectations, with gold medals secured in men’s and women’s kabaddi, hockey, and cricket. However, these successes were overshadowed by the struggles of marquee sports.
Badminton, viewed as a primary medal prospect, concluded with only a men’s team bronze. Shooting also saw a decline, securing three gold medals compared to seven in the previous games, with two of those coming in team events. Athletics similarly struggled to produce top-tier results, with the women’s 4x400m relay team providing the sole gold in that discipline. The ministry has made it clear that the lack of performance from experienced stars will be a central topic of discussion during the upcoming review.
