On India, a reason for under-achievement was said to be the popularity of sports that are not part of the Olympics, primarily, of course, cricket.

Support cast

Abhinav Bindra’s (and also Saina Nehwal’s pre-quarterfinals win over sixth seed Wang Chen) was especially keenly tracked in Beijing by a team of persons led by former tennis player Manisha Malhotra. She is part of the Mittal Champions Trust, named for the eponymous steel giant. Founded after the Athens Olympics, the MCT has taken on sportspersons, including Bindra, Nehwal and archer Mangal Singh Champia, with the commitment of providing them focused training and assistance. Bindra’s gold will of course have a cluster effect in shooting in India, but it may also draw the private sector in India into funding sports.