"Today's athletes don't go just to participate" - Gagan Narang highlights change in mindset ahead of Paris Olympics 2024
Gagan Narang believes that there has been a significant transformation in the mindset of Indian athletes over the years. He believes that their aim currently is to excel in events rather than just participate.
India has sent as many as 117 athletes to compete at 2024 Paris Olympics. The squad consists of 70 male and 47 female athletes, who will take part in 16 sports disciplines.
Ahead of the quadrennial event, Olympic bronze medalist Narang has stated that Indian athletes are no longer daunted by international athletes.
"There is a huge change in the motivation and the level of thinking our athletes have today. We used to feel scared, under-confident because other countries were better. But slowly that's changed, the mindset (has) changed," he said. (via PTI)
"The confidence is at a new high. Today's athletes don't go just to participate, they go to perform. Someone in the top 8 or 5 wants to win a medal today and not just any medal but a gold. That's the difference in thinking of the athletes today. They don't think anyone is above them. They rate competitors at par and that's a very positive sign for Indian sport," he added.
Gagan Narang says becoming India's Chef-de-Mission for Paris 2024 Olympics is "a huge honor"
Earlier this year, Mary Kom stepped down as the India contingent's Chef-de-Mission at the Paris 2024 Olympics. She cited personal reasons for taking that decision.
Following that, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announced that four-time Olympian Gagan Narang was taking charge as the Chef-de-Mission. IOA president PT Usha said that the 41-year-old was the perfect candidate for the role.
Narag stated that he was honored and proud to be India's Chef-de-Mission in Paris.
"I feel happy and proud to be one of the few Chef De Missions who is also an Olympics medallist. There are a handful of people. It's an honor for me. I was contributing to shooting athletes and now I'm able to contribute to all Indian athletes. It's a proud moment for me and also a responsible one. I'm hoping I can handle pressure like I did in London (Olympics). It's a different kind of pressure," he expressed.
Narang will be joined by flag bearers PV Sindhu and Sharath Kamal during the opening ceremony on Friday (July 26).