An Olympian Task?

Any sporting event generates a lot of hype, but the level of excitement heightens to a great extent during the Olympic games, as it integrates citizens of a country with a feeling of national pride while bringing lesserknown sports into the limelight.

A Brief History of the Olympics
The Olympic games originated in the Greek city Olympia in 776 BC. The games were dedicated to the Greek God Zeus.
The games were banned in 393 AD by Emperor Theodosius who termed them as ‘pagan cults’.
Initially, the only Olympic event was a 200-yard-race called a ‘stadium’. The first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896 after they were brought back into existence by French educator Pierre de Frédy, Baron de Coubertin.
Women were not allowed to compete in the Olympics until 1900 as their presence was considered impractical, uninteresting, unaesthetic and incorrect.

India’s Dismal Performances
The 2008 Olympics held in Beijing proved to be historic for India. Winning a total of three medals in different sporting events, this became India’s best ever performance at the Olympics. The star of the event was Abhinav Bindra, who won India its first individual Olympic gold medal. While there is good reason to cherish these milestones, the harsh reality of statistical reports dampens the celebrations considerably. According to these reports, in comparison with other countries, India has the lowest medals-per-capita ratio.
The primary culprit for our lack of performance might be seen in the large percentage of population living below the poverty line. However, this argument seems flawed when we compare our performance to countries like Ethiopia, Kenya and Uzbekistan, which have managed to bag more medals than India despite their low income rates.
The blame then shifts to the lack of sporting facilities and the inexorable menace of corruption that plagues our country. On the other hand, some people simply believe that Indians are just not an athletic race and pin their hopes of victory on a sport that is less likely to disappoint – cricket.
As Indians, we reserve our passion for cricket while other sports are nourished with measly leftovers. Despite the fact that the Indian hockey team has won the country eight Olympic medals, it is still denied the privileges that cricket enjoys.

What Can We Expect?
Now in 2012, India is geared up for the London Olympics slated to begin on July 27. Out of the 17,000 athletes competing in this grand sporting event, 47 will be representing India. Let us now introduce you to some Indian athletes who we see as potential medal winners.

Abhinav Bindra
I really don’t think this dude (he’s truly one!) needs an introduction, but for those who aren’t in the know, he was the one to win the first individual Olympic gold for India. He proved wrong those people who thought India wasn’t destined to win a gold and also inspired sportspersons across the country to prove their mettle. While at a conference in Delhi, Abhinav Bindra gave some advice to the Olympic first-timers. He said, “I suggest that they only work hard and concentrate on their aim. The beauty of sports is the thrill and unpredictability; nothing can beat the joy of standing on the podium.” This statement speaks volumes of the hard work and effort Bindra has put in. Bindra claims that he is satisfied with the preparations of the event and will try his best to repeat his winning performance. We really hope you do, Abhinav!

Deepika Kumari
No one thought that this girl from Ranchi would go on to represent India at the Olympics for archery. It’s been a long and eventful journey for Deepika, whose hidden potential was first discovered in 2005 when she was admitted to the Arjun Archery Academy. Later, she joined the Tata Archery Academy in 2006 where she was given a stipend of Rs.500. In the 2010 Commonwealth Games, she won two gold medals, proving her detractors wrong and strengthening the faith of those who believed in her. She has battled problems like poverty and family resistance to reach this stage. As a teenager, she used to practice with handmade bows and arrows due to financial constraints. Her family has had to make sacrifices along the way and cut short their expenditure to support her passion. Well, we hope she makes her family and the entire nation proud!

Ronjan Sodhi
After being rejected to participate in the 2008 Olympics held in Beijing, this ‘Punjab da sher’ was determined to enter the 2012 Olympics and show the world what he is made of. His career shot to fame in the last two years as this ace double trap shooter kept adding to his collection of gold and silver medals. He became the only Indian marksman who topped the latest ISSF world rankings. Speaking about this accomplishment, Sodhi says, “It’s a great feeling to be ranked world No 1. It was one of my dreams to be at the top of the ISSF rankings and now that I have reached here, I look forward towards my other goals and ambitions. The journey hasn’t been easy but my determination was what kept me going and the last three years have given me a lot of reasons to smile.” Sodhi confesses that his earlier scores were poor because he was playing in the defensive mode and not with his usual aggression. But now, he claims to be a changed person. He has promised that the Ronjan Sodhi shooting in London will be the Rs. 100 per cent motivated to win version’, and not the old one. We hope you deliver on that promise Mr Sodhi!

Devendro Singh
Who dreams of becoming a boxer at the age of nine when most children are thinking of becoming super heroes? Well Devendro did. Now at the age of 19, Devendro’s accomplishments have surpassed his own expectations. Devendro is leaving no stone unturned for the Olympics and is determined and positive about winning a gold medal this year. He is well aware of his weaknesses. In fact, he is doing his level best to overcome them. Speaking of his weaknesses, he says, “I am a naturally aggressive boxer but need to learn how to counter-attack better.” Now, that’s the sign of a responsible boxer, isn’t it?

Gagan Narang
He holds the record of shooting the highest air rifle score (defeating Thomas Farnik of Austria with a score of 703.5). He has won four gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and two silvers at the Asian Games, among other accomplishments. But according to him, his greatest win was in 2006 at the world cup final in Granada, Spain when the setting of his world record coincided with Barrack Obama’s presidential win. He was awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award in 2011 after his stint at the Commonwealth Games. Narang was the first Indian to qualify for the Olympics and with eight gold medals at the Commonwealth Games. It is difficult not to expect a similar performance at the London Olympics.

Vikas Krishnan Yadav
20-year-old Vikas has already achieved what boxers double his age aspire for. Chess has been a hobby for Vikas and has also guided him in his boxing career. Behind every boxing move, there is a well thought out plan. Trained at the Bhivani Boxing Club, he lists the similarities between boxing and chess.
“Both are about moves and both are mind games,” he says. “Boxing is about outsmarting your opponent. Often, whoever thinks better and smarter in the ring wins the bout.” He says that it is very boring to watch him play, but that is his style – to bore his opponent and frustrate him to defeat. He explains this strategy saying, “Somehow it works for me. It does not look great but winning is all that matters. If a defensive game does that, why should I bother?” He’s been practicing enthusiastically for the Olympics. All the best Vikas! We do hope your practice bears fruit!
While these achievers have filled the spots for the 2012 Olympics, there is plenty of room at the 2016 Summer Olympics, which will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. So remember the Olympics motto of ‘Swifter. Higher. Stronger’ and enjoy this year’s Olympics to the fullest!

INDIA @ the Olympics

• Norman Prichard, an Anglo Indian won the first Olympic medal for India back in 1900 (two silver medals in the 200m sprint and 200m Hurdles).
• Indian athletes have won a measly 20 Olympic medals till date, with hockey constituting the most number of wins.
• The Indian Government has spent 55.22 crores in preparing for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Volume 2 Issue 1