India sent its largest ever Olympic contingent to Rio this year, 119 athletes competing in 14 disciplines. The athletes bore on their shoulders the stress of the hopes, faith and expectations of a billion people. And managed to return with a silver medal in Badminton and a bronze medal in Wrestling.

Hardly an achievement most (armchair fans) would say, but one must not forget there was a moment during the latter half of the Summer Games when India could have returned completely empty handed. However, courtesy Sakshi Malik, India opened its medal tally at the 2016 Rio Olympics. PV Sindhu soon followed it up with a silver medal finish as she was outshined by world no. 1 Carolina Marin in the final. The Spaniard beat Sindhu with her technique but she certainly did not defeat Sindhu’s will to fight till the end.

They were now crowned as “India’s daughter or sister” and the whole country worshipped them. But, what about the remaining 117 athletes who gave their best and represented the country at the grandest sporting event? Do they not matter or their lack of medals mean they do not receive the appreciation from the country that they so proudly represented?

Certainly the athletes did not live up to what the country expected. The largest contingent would result in the most successful medal haul. However, that is definitely not how the achievements in sports work. Neither, it works on prayers or faith.

Athletes return as champions from Rio

Some (armchair) fans will say that apart from the two medallists everyone disappointed the country. But, it is quite the other way round. The medallists have put their name in the history books. On the other hand, every single one of the athletes engraved their names in the hearts of the sports’ faithful. These athletes have achieved more than a medal, they achieved an immortal happiness by giving millions of Indian children a dream, something to aspire and idolize as a budding sports-person. Each of these athletes has at least made a couple of youngsters to take up the sports and that surpasses any achievement at any level.

Not to forget most of the Indian athletes that have participated in the 2016 Rio Olympics are debutants, mostly under the age of 25. These athletes have at least another two or three Olympics to go before they bow out of the game. While the only other scenario that could unfold is, being forced to pave way by the next generation of stars.

Athletes like Dipa Karmakar (Gymnastics), Lalita Babar (Steeplechase), Dattu Bhokanal (Rowing), OP Jaisha (Marathon) and Aditi Ashok (Golf) have opened up avenues for sports that were almost unthought-of in this Cricket frenzy nation.

India may have won only two medals in the Olympics, but it is returning with a 119 champions in their respective sports. These champions forced India to follow and support sports other than Cricket, even if it was just for two weeks.   

Click here for the complete list of performances of Indian Athletes at the 2016 Rio Olympics.