Tokyo Olympics – Ending Four-Decade Medal Drought in Hockey

Part 8 of 9 Part Series-8/9

In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which was postponed by a year due to COVID-19, India achieved its best-ever finish, winning seven medals, including one gold and two silver.

The quadrennial games also ended the 40-year-old medal drought in hockey. Out of the 18-member men's hockey squad, 10 were from Punjab. 

Haryana, which was once part of Punjab, contributed three medals: two in wrestling and a gold from Neeraj Chopra in the javelin throw. 

After Haryana, Punjab contributed the maximum number of athletes to the Tokyo-bound Olympic contingent. 

“Despite many troubled situations, Punjab has always been a sporting state. In the last two-and-a-half decades, neighboring state Haryana has taken over Punjab. If the state government gives priority to sports, Punjab can become stronger and can contribute more to the Indian Olympic movement," said RS Gill. "It is good that the Punjab government has increased the cash awards in the new sports policy, but along with that, the government should focus on strengthening sports at the grassroots." 

In the forthcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, too, Punjab is expected to have a significant contribution to the Indian contingent. 

Punjab's contributions to India’s Olympic success are undeniable and enduring. Despite facing numerous societal challenges, the state’s resilience and commitment to sports continue to shine through, making it a pivotal force in India’s Olympic achievements

 “Punjab has developed a sports culture since the pre-Independence era, and because of that, even people who were into academics remained inclined towards sports. When they were in a position to support sports, they became patrons of sports. After Independence, the first head of Punjab Police, Inspector General Sant Prakash Singh, was a great promoter of sports, and following his footsteps, his successors kept on recruiting sportspersons into the state police force,” said RS Gill, former Punjab DGP.

Continued...

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