ABSTRACT
This paper deals with the impact of the Beijing Olympics on Indian sport. After winning her first ever individual gold medal in Beijing Indian sport appeared poised for take-off, if there was a fundamental systemic overhaul. Beijing, in other words, presented Indian sport with an unprecedented opportunity. This paper examines how Olympic sports became central to the Indian sporting imagination post-Beijing and what the country needs to create a sporting culture. It suggests that, unless a sporting culture is created, then Beijing will have proven to be a false dawn.
