How high priced are Indias Busan medals?
V Krishnaswamy in Busan It is a sporting jamboree that has brought together the continent’s top sportspersons. And the Indian contingent here is the third largest contingent after China and Japan (of course, South Korea as hosts have a bigger number, but that is to be expected). Perhaps, we should be asking how much it costs India and whether it is worth it? China and Japan, have sent about 750 and 650 athletes and officials respectively. China is expected to pick up about 230 to 250 medals, while Japan should take home about 150 to 170. For China that’s a ratio of about one medal for every three athletes or officials. In Japan’s case the ratio is about 1:4. For most of the other top 10 countries (in terms of medals) the ratio is between 1:6 and 1:8 or maybe even 1:9. What about India? About 400 Indian sportspersons and officials have made it to Busan for the 14th Asian Games. But what is India’s medal count likely to be when the last race is run? On Friday evening, with three more day
