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OP Jaisha, the marathon runner who hit the news for getting fainted at the end-line actually gives us a peek into what exactly has been the situation of olympians. The kind of support Jaisha received in the main event tells the story we all have been speculating about facilities players get during their preparation. The situation is really pathetic and government must take a serious note of it. The image of Brand India is more on stake in a worldwide event like Olympics rather than cricket matches. If the attention is just reversed from Cricket to Olympics, we will have more medals than the trophies we win in different cricket tournaments.
That said, it doesn't mean that cricket can be sidelined but yes, a considerable amount of money must be set aside and more importantly, be utilised for the development of players. Starting from international coaching to nutritious diet, everything needs attention.
As of now, if an athlete can afford all expenses on personal level, they become worthy of winning medals while the others who only rely on talent and hardwork only lack by the attention that government needs to provide.
When Indian cricket team was in a situation where they would hardly win any matches, people would ask to stop sending the team to international events. But then more attentional was given and today we have team which can beat the best site easily. We have similar or may be better talent across all the games of Olympics but players are not given any support they need.
Wrestler Nar Singh failed the dope test a few weeks before the main tournament. This is hard to fathom or believe that the athlete took any steroid to excel as he would knew well that he could be disqualified even before entering the ring. So, the lack of support is evident here. His food was easily contaminated with banned drugs and he failed before the fight.
Four years of course is a long time for players to stay motivated. They also face financial issues during this time. So, we can copy the cricket in this question. Why can't we have domestic olympic tournaments on the pattern of T20 and others. Such tournaments will keep the players ready for big Olympics. The country will also know their players and then the best and consistent performers can be sent for real test.
Regular tournaments will also make sure that these players will get their names known and will get sponsors.
Apart from financial security, government must also ensure that the management of Sports Authority of India is in hands of former players. A player would not only be aware of real-time situation and problems, they will also be empathetic with them. Imagine a set of hundreds of players practicing in the guidance of veterans.
Overall, when we send 100+ contents and we only end up winning a couple of medals, we really put the country's image at stake. Remember that Olympic is a global event and is much bigger than cricket world cup which is played by limited nations and has much less support across the world when compared to Olympic games.
Recently the prime minister has planned to set up a task force for olympic which is a welcome move. All we need to ensure that the efforts get tough, real, and benefit the hard working and talented players directly.

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