India, Aug. 13 -- At the just concluded 2024 Olympic Games, Pakistan was 62nd in the medals tally, India nine places down at 71st -- that's the difference a gold medal can make. India finished with a haul of six medals and Pakistan just one but not winning a gold medal hurt.

It underlined how getting a gold at Olympics remains the toughest challenge in sports for countries like India. Unable to come close in track & field (with the exception of Neeraj Chopra) and swimming, India's gameplan has been to identify specific events where their sportspersons stand a chance of being competitive with the best and then provide them with the best of facilities.

Despite the Indian government's heavy push towards making a mark at the quadrennial eve...