Ronjan Sodhi says India’s 2036 Olympics medals target far off

Former Asian Games gold medallist double-trap marksman Ronjan Sodhi has said India's goal of winning 30-40 medals at the 2036 Olympics is still a distant prospect, with the country already behind schedule in talent identification. India's best Olympic tally is seven medals, achieved at Tokyo 2020.

Speaking to PTI, Sodhi stressed the need for a major overhaul in infrastructure, equipment, coaching and job security for athletes. He pointed to the shortage of shooting ranges, saying only the Karni Singh Range in Delhi-NCR serves clay target and 50m or 25m events. "We are far behind," he said, adding that talent scouting must begin now in schools.

Sodhi said India should focus on sports that offer more medal opportunities, such as shooting (15 medals), cycling (22 medals), wrestling (18 medals) and boxing (13 medals). He cited Britain's focus on cycling before the 2012 London Olympics as a model. The government is strongly bidding for the 2036 hosting rights.