Its that time of the year. For fans of Olympic sports, guesses about India's medal prospects have just begun to be made. SIX!! the smart one would say. COULD BE 10 THIS TIME, will come the gamblers retort. For those in it for a long time, and planning to continue even longer, its just a titilating journey to the closing ceremony.Earlier records are dug up, moments are relived, present dissections are initiated. All for the shared joy of basking in the Olympic glory.
It would have been so wonderful to say that we have come a long way from our previous review in 2009. The worrying part is that some of those discussed in detail have just about been able to maintain their own while some have expectedly have dropped off the radar. The good part is that some more individuals and teams have come into contention. The exciting part is that the Indian Olympic fan looks forward to it with much more assurance and expectation than the horror of the 80s. Despite the system!!
Abhinav,Saina, Sushil,Vijender are still contenders.Leander, Sania might as best surprise. Ronjon,Deepika,Gagan, The Archery, Boxing, Shooting and Wrestling Teams are world class and fans will also follow Gymnastics, Rowing and Swimming with interest for a change. There is no absolute world beater like Usain or Rudisha for the 'minnows' , neither the well oiled systems of the US, China or Australia or the like, but this country is ultimately, a country of faith, and faith well-placed.
Without going into the lows of the CWG or the Quantum of medals in the Asiad, an objective analysis would surely reveal that metal will come, but the road is far from being traversed.
In a way the CWG scam has acted as a saviour for sports and sportspersons in this country. There is more appreciation of achievements of Indian athletes after the way they are treated by the powers that be, was brutally exposed. Things have changed 'on the ground' as well they say. The Government has nurtured athletes since the last big games and has managed to come up with a selection of contenders in various disciplines and are spending money on their training in the best of conditions and facilities. Indian athletes are training all accross Europe, USA, Cuba and Australia, well in advance by Indian standards. Some of them have been doing it for a long time now. News of individuals and teams going to participate in global competitions and at times reporting encouraging results have not missed anyone's attention. You have to say, in the India of 2011and soon to be in the Olympic year of 2012, a little bit of drive, hunger,passion, whatever you call it, has to come from the individuals who are getting the honour as well.
I would be happy with us doubling our account. Urge fans not to be disappointed by even less as other nations also have a right to be proud. Anything beyond 100% would be cause for ecstasy. Who would ever mind exploring whats beyond ecstacsy.
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