In the world of sports, and indeed in many other fields, success often hinges on a certain mindset - one that refuses to settle for anything less than the best. This is where the concept of a "killer instinct" comes in, a drive to go beyond the ordinary and achieve greatness. Unfortunately, in India, this killer instinct often seems lacking, overshadowed by a culture that tends to celebrate mediocrity.

The Problem of Complacency

In many cases, the problem begins with complacency. Small victories are often blown out of proportion, and achievements that should be considered stepping stones are celebrated as final destinations. This mindset leads to a lack of hunger for continuous improvement, as individuals and organizations alike become content with "good enough" rather than striving for excellence.

Impact on Sports

This issue is particularly evident in sports. While other nations push their athletes to break records and achieve the extraordinary, there is often a sense of satisfaction in India with merely participating or achieving a modest success. The celebration of participation rather than victory can dilute the competitive spirit, leaving athletes without the aggressive drive necessary to excel on the global stage.

The Cost of Celebrating Mediocrity

Celebrating mediocrity can have long-lasting consequences. When the bar is set low, it not only hinders individual growth but also affects the collective progress of the nation. In the global arena, where excellence is the standard, this mindset puts India at a disadvantage, whether in sports, business, or other competitive fields.

The Need for a Shift in Mindset

To truly succeed and compete at the highest levels, there must be a shift in mindset - from celebrating mediocrity to fostering a relentless pursuit of excellence. This means recognizing and rewarding those who go the extra mile, pushing boundaries, and showing the killer instinct that separates the good from the great.

To maximize our chances of success on the global stage, we must broaden our focus beyond the sports in which we have traditionally competed. While it's essential to continue nurturing our strengths, it's equally important to invest in and develop a wider range of sporting disciplines. By diversifying our efforts and resources across various sports, we can uncover hidden talent, increase our medal prospects, and position India as a formidable competitor across multiple arenas. Expanding our focus will not only enhance our chances but also contribute to a more vibrant and inclusive sports culture in the country.

Look at China - if they can achieve such remarkable success in sports, why not India? China's rise as a global sports powerhouse didn't happen overnight; it was the result of strategic investment, rigorous training programs, and a relentless focus on excellence across a wide range of disciplines. They identified potential in various sports, even those where they had no historical success, and turned their athletes into world champions.

India has the talent, the population, and the potential to do the same. By learning from China's example and committing to a broader, more inclusive approach to sports development, there's no reason why India can't replicate or even surpass China's achievements. It’s time for us to ask, "If they can do it, why can't we?" and then take the necessary steps to make it happen.

And let’s not be happy for just being an ‘Olympian’.