How many times have Pakistan finished above India in Olympics Table?

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The Olympic Games have long been a stage where countries showcase their athletic prowess and compete for glory. For nations like India and Pakistan, the Olympics have also become an arena for an intense rivalry that transcends beyond cricket, their traditional battleground.

While India has enjoyed greater success overall in Olympic history, there have been moments when Pakistan has managed to outshine its neighbour on the global stage.

This rivalry has taken on new dimensions in recent years, particularly in track and field events, where both countries have produced world-class athletes. The 2024 Paris Olympics was the latest chapter in this rivalry, with Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem clinching gold in the men's javelin throw, setting an Olympic record with a throw of 92.97 meters.

India's Neeraj Chopra, who had won gold in Tokyo 2020, had to settle for silver in this intense competition. This victory was particularly significant for Pakistan, as it ended a 32-year Olympic medal drought and marked the first time an individual athlete from Pakistan won a gold medal​. India finished at the 72nd spot while Pakistan finished 10 spots above.

After Paris, Pakistan has now finished above India for the 8th time in total, and the first time in 32 years.

That being said, let us take a look at the times Pakistan finished above India in the Olympics:

1960 Rome Olympics: Pakistan secured its first gold medal in men's hockey by defeating India, which settled for silver. Pakistan also earned a bronze in wrestling, placing them above India in the medal tally for the first time. Pakistan finished their campaign at 20, while India were reeling at 41.

1968 Mexico City Olympics: Pakistan again surpassed India by winning another gold medal in men's hockey ending in the 32nd spot, while India took bronze in the same sport to finish 42nd.

1972 Munich Olympics: Pakistan secured a silver medal in men's hockey, outperforming India, which only managed a bronze in the same event. Pakistan finished 33rd while India ended their campaign at 43rd position.

1976 Montreal Olympics: India failed to win any medals, while Pakistan earned a bronze in men's hockey, placing them above India for the second consecutive time. Pakistan ended their campaign at the 37th spot.

1984 Los Angeles Olympics: Pakistan won another gold in men's hockey, while India did not secure a single medal, marking the third straight Olympics where Pakistan finished higher. Pakistan ended their campaign at 25th position.

1988 Seoul Olympics: Pakistan achieved its first individual Olympic medal through Hussain Shah's bronze in boxing. India, on the other hand, did not win any medals, leaving Pakistan ahead once again as the Pakistanis finished 46th in the table.

1992 Barcelona Olympics: Pakistan's men's hockey team won a bronze medal, as they finished 54 while India had another medal-less Olympic campaign.