Lessons from the 2024 Olympics

For 25 years, one experience sat firmly on my bucket list: stepping into an Olympic Village to live among 15,000 of the world’s best athletes, coaches, and sports scientists

In 2024, that dream became a reality. I walked into the Paris Olympics alongside the Indian men’s hockey team, knowing that what lay ahead would push every one of us to our limits.

But here’s the thing about the Olympics—or life, for that matter. It’s not the meticulous planning or polished strategies that define success. It’s how you adapt when shit happens. And it always does.

Training for the Unknown

Months before the Olympics, we knew the team would face moments of immense pressure—moments that would test their mental and emotional resilience as much as their physical skill. To prepare, we sought out a place where unpredictability would reign supreme: the Swiss Alps.

For three days, we trained with legendary adventurer Mike Horn. His mission was clear: take the team so far out of their comfort zone that the only way forward was to adapt or fail.

One exercise brought this lesson home. The players, roped together in groups of six, traversed a narrow snow ridge. On one side was a steep, snowy slide—harrowing but safe. On the other side, a fatal drop.

Mike’s instructions were stark: if someone slipped toward the dangerous side, the rest had to immediately jump in the opposite direction to counterbalance the fall. No hesitation. No second-guessing.

On three occasions, players slipped, pulling their teammates with them. The ropes tightened, the group slid down 30 to 40 meters, and finally came to a stop on the safer side of the ridge. But every player understood: had the fall been toward the fatal side, one moment’s hesitation would have cost six lives.

We turned this into a powerful metaphor. The lesson was simple yet profound: when chaos strikes, there’s no time for blame or waiting. Act fast, take responsibility, and figure out the rest later.

When Chaos Came

The quarterfinal against Great Britain brought this lesson to life. India hadn’t beaten Great Britain in four years. Seventeen minutes into the game, our player, Ahmed Rodas, was shown a red card. For the remaining 43 minutes, we would face one of the world’s top teams with just 10 players against their 11.

In hockey, that’s essentially game over. A team down to 10 players simply doesn’t win.

But this was one of those "when shit happens" moments we had prepared for. At halftime, Coach Craig Fulton looked at the players and said: “No team wins from here. This is your chance to rewrite hockey history. Stick to the plan. No blame. No excuses. Just adapt.”

The players recalibrated. They shifted to a defensive strategy designed for such scenarios. Every player on the field took full responsibility—not for themselves alone, but for the team. Together, they held Great Britain to a 1-1 draw, forcing the game into a penalty shootout.

And then they won.

It wasn’t just a victory; it was a testament to the power of preparation, trust, and the ability to adapt under the most intense pressure.

Resilience Over Rigidity

The semifinals against Germany tested another form of adaptability: emotional resilience. Despite dominating possession, creating more chances, and playing some of their best hockey, India lost. It was a bitter defeat, one that could have broken their spirit.

But the team chose to focus forward. They regrouped, recalibrated, and brought their full energy to the bronze medal game against Spain. And in that game, they emerged victorious, earning a place on the podium.

Lessons from Paris

The Olympics reminded me of one undeniable truth: adaptability isn’t just a skill; it’s a way of approaching every moment of uncertainty.

Key Takeaways:

1. Prepare for Chaos: True adaptability comes from pushing boundaries in training, exposing yourself to unpredictability, and rehearsing your response when things go wrong.

2. Respond, Don’t React: In moments of pressure, blame and hesitation are luxuries you can’t afford. Act decisively and figure out the rest later.

3. Resilience Is Adaptation: Bouncing back from disappointment isn’t about forgetting it; it’s about learning, adjusting, and moving forward with intent.

4. Trust the Team: Whether on a snow ridge or a hockey field, adaptability thrives in environments of trust and mutual accountability.

The Paris Olympics didn’t just fulfil a personal dream. They affirmed a belief I’ve held for years: when chaos comes, as it inevitably does, it’s not talent or tactics that define the outcome. It’s the ability to adapt.