Propelling India into World Sports

Sir Dorabji Tata: Catalyst for India's Olympic Debut

Portrait of Sir Dorabji Tata, 1912 Courtesy: Rutnagur, SM (ed.), Electricity in India, Indian Textile Journal, Bombay

In 2024, as 117 athletes proudly represented India at the Olympic Games, it marked 104 years since India's Olympic journey began. The dream of an Indian Olympic team had been nurtured as early as 1912 by the Deccan Gymkhana in Pune. However, it was not until the end of World War I in 1919 that this aspiration was revived. Under the guidance of the Indian Olympic Association and its visionary President, Sir Dorabji Tata, India made its first foray onto the Olympic stage.

A distinguished sportsman himself, Sir Dorabji Tata's love for athletics was evident from his college days at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. Excelling in cricket, rugby, soccer, and tennis, his passion for sports remained undiminished upon his return to India, fueling his commitment to nurturing athletic talent in his homeland. One of the first things he did upon his return to India was to help start a High School Athletic Association amongst numerous schools of Bombay for cricket, and then for Athletic Sports Meetings.

Following its establishments in 1919, the vision of the Indian Olympic Association was vividly captured in a March 26, 1920 article in the Times of India, which stated: “You will be glad to hear that the right of India for representation of the International Olympic Committee, and also for participation in the Olympic Games has just been recognised by the Belgian Olympic Committee. Consequently, we must take part in these games to show the world that we are not behind the times…As this is the first time that India will be taking part in these International Games, there is consequently a great many difficulties that have to be faced in doing the preliminary spadework. It is just possible that, we may not succeed in taking part in the Games of 1920 on account of the shortness of time at our disposal. The 1920 Games are however, not the sole aim of our Association, but they form only a beginning to our effort to secure for our Motherland a high place amongst first class nations. Even after the Games of 1920 are over, our work will continue incessantly until we achieve the highest position for our Motherland in the Games of 1924.”

The Bombay Olympic Committee at a Prize Distribution in 1927. Courtesy: Bombay Chroncile, 26 January, 1927

Leading up to the 1920 Olympics, Indian newspapers frequently reported on the Indian Olympic Association's endeavours. This nationwide movement saw branches emerging in major centres, accompanied by extensive educational advocacy. A landmark meeting took place in April 1920 at Sir Dorabji Tata’s office in Navsari Chambers, Bombay, where a committee was founded to gather financial support for sending amateur athletes to Antwerp, Belgium. The committee's dual purpose was to secure substantial backing for the athletes and to promote the Olympic spirit throughout India. Sir Dorabji Tata led by example, contributing Rs5,000 to the newly opened subscription list.

Additionally, recognising the untapped potential of India's rural youth, accustomed to running barefoot on hard dirt roads, Sir Dorabji Tata saw in them a natural speed and endurance that, with proper training and nutrition, could shine on the world stage. His conviction was so strong that he personally financed the participation of three of India's finest runners in the 1920 Olympic Marathon.

At the Antwerp Olympics, where 29 nations competed, India’s presence marked a modest beginning with a contingent of just six members—four athletes and two wrestlers. The selected athletes sailed from Bombay, with one securing a commendable nineteenth place in the Marathon. Although no Indian athlete achieved notable distinction at these Games, this was merely the start of a long-term vision articulated repeatedly by the Indian Olympic Association in its reports. The journey had begun, and India was poised for greater achievements in sports in the future.

Sir Dorabji Tata felicitating a member of the Indian Olympic Team (Undated) Courtesy: Tata Central Archives

Sir Dorabji Tata continued to lead the Indian Olympic Association until 1929, during which he guided India through two significant Olympic Games: the 1924 Paris Olympics and the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. The latter saw the Indian hockey team clinch the nation’s first-ever gold medal, a momentous achievement. Unfortunately, his declining health compelled him to resign from the Indian Olympic Association, but his contributions were so profound that the Association honoured him as Honorary Life President.

Concurrently, Sir Dorabji Tata was honoured with a position on the International Olympic Committee, a role he maintained until 1927. Upon his resignation, the then Chairman of the Committee expressed deep admiration for his contributions, writing: “My colleagues beg me, and I am glad to do so, to convey to you our most sincere appreciation for your wonderful work in India. The regret we have in losing you is still greater because we know how difficult it will be to replace you.”

Sir Dorabji Tata’s pioneering efforts over a century ago laid the foundation for a sports culture that continues to inspire generations of Indians. On his 165th anniversary, we honour Sir Dorabji Tata as the visionary who recognised the unifying power of sports and its potential to elevate India. The Tata Trusts uphold his legacy through continued support for sports development nationwide. Among our notable contributions are the sponsorship of the first and second Asian Games in 1951 and 1954, assistance to the Indian Hockey Federation, support for the Paralympics, and the establishment of the Naval Tata Hockey Academy in Jamshedpur in 2017 to nurture emerging hockey talent.

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