The tall claims of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) notwithstanding, India could only manage to tie for the 66th spot with three other countries in the medal tally at the Olympic Games which ended here on Sunday.
The table was led by the United States with 35 golds who overcame a stiff challenge from Asian powerhouse China who won 31 yellow metals.
India, who were spared further blushes by a lone silver won by Major Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore in the double-trap shooting event, finished at par with Hong Kong, Paraguay and Serbia and Montenegro.
Russia bagged the third spot claiming 27 golds followed by Australia and Japan.
Even tiny countries like Bahamas, Dominican Republic and Jamaica were placed ahead of India in the final medal tally.
Asian countries made a significant mark on the medal board with Korea and Thailand cornering eight and three golds respectively.
Iran, Indonesia, Chinese Taipei and North Korea were the other Asian nations ahead of India in the medal race, virtually making a mockery of IOA's claim that the country was turning into a regional sporting heavyweight after coming up with a creditable performance at the Busan Asian Games.
In total, only 75 of the 202 participating contingents managed to clinch medals in the fortnight-long multi-discipline extravaganza.
{{/usCountry}}In total, only 75 of the 202 participating contingents managed to clinch medals in the fortnight-long multi-discipline extravaganza.
{{/usCountry}}The list included Chile, Israel and Argentina, who bagged their first ever Olympic gold medals. Another notable addition to the table was the young nation of Eritrea which opened its Olympic account when Zersenay Tadese won a bronze in the men's 10,000 metres event.