New Delhi: Jul 18; Olympics are one of the earliest known sporting events in the world and their history dates back to as early as 4th century AD. Greece is the country where the games are believed to be played by no one else but the Gods themselves. 

India's association with the Olympics started when the country was still striving for its independence. 

The national sport, Hockey was the primary sport to give the country feel of gold. India's Men's Field Hockey Team won the gold for six successive Olympic years from 1928-1956. And then the Indian association with the Olympics went for a lull; even in Hockey- the national game after the introduction of the “artificial mat” coupled with change in playing protocols (clearly favoring the West); India became second largest nation with no medallions at the greatest sporting event of the world. This was “shameful”! To say the least even for a silent spectator like your writer. Sure Indian Hockey team again won Gold at the 1980 Olympics but in that event most of the strong sides did not participated due to political compulsions. 

Then came the year 2008. India again started to feel the nobel Greek God’s metal on their neck.   

Though, nothing can beat the craze of the Indians for cricket but Abhinav Bindra's phenomenal performance at the 2008 Beijing Olympics has proven to be a catalyst to evoke interest of the Indians in the mammoth sporting event. The country for the first time welcomed and appreciated, a sports personality not hailing from the cricket background with so much admiration and reverence. Even the athletes were motivated to put up a better show. 

It is worth noting that India's performance at the Olympics has improved considerably after the year 1994 with more athletes getting individual medals for the country.

Sending in the largest entourage ever, the year 2012 must be hoding something yes something where India and Olympics can be again said to be in mood of reviving their old glory….. 

Indian Olympics History: Quick Facts•

 India's First ever participation in Summer Olympics Games: 1920•

 India's first ever participation in Winter Olympics Games: 1964•

 India's first ever gold medal: Norman Pritchard in 1900•

 Number of Medals won by Indian athletes till date: 20•

 The best performance by India at Olympics: In 2008 Beijing Olympics•

 Total Gold medals won by Indian athletes :9•

 Gold Medals won in Men's Field Hockey: 8•

 Individual Gold Medal: 1 (Abhinav Bindra in Men's 10m Air Rifle, 2008 Beijing Olympics)•

 National Olympic Committee: Indian Olympic Association.

India's Performance in Olympics

Year Medals Performers 1900 2 silver medals Norman Pritchard

1928 1 gold medal India's Men Field Hockey Team

1932 1 gold medal India's Men Field Hockey Team

1936 1 gold medal India's Men Field Hockey Team

1948 1 gold medal India's Men Field Hockey Team

1952 1 gold medal and a bronze medal Gold: India's Men Field Hockey Team. Bronze: Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav

1956 I gold medal India's Men Field Hockey Team

1960 2 silver medals India's Men FieldHockey Team

1964 I gold medal India's Men Field Hockey Team

1968 I bronze medal India's Men Field Hockey Team

1972 1 bronze medal India's Men Field Hockey Team

1980 1 gold medal India's Men Field Hockey Team

1996 1 bronze medal Leander Paes (Tennis)

2000 1 bronze medal Karnam Malleswari (Weightlifting)

2004 1 silver medal Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (Shooting)

2008 1 gold medal and 2 bronze medals Gold: Abhinav Bindra (Shooting) Bronze: Sushil Kumar (Wrestling) Vijender Kumar (Boxing)