- The ongoing Olympics in the French capital of Paris has caught the attention of the entire universe, especially those who are passionately invested in the happenings of the sporting world. The quadrennial marquee event is the most anticipated sporting extravaganza where the brilliance of the athletes is tested at grueling competitive standards and exhibited by renowned icons with panache. The ultimate sporting event like the Olympics separates the ordinary from the extraordinary and those excelling in the competition would be regarded as the remarkable achievers. Mind you, getting selected to represent the country in the Olympics itself is an achievement of sorts. Of course, winning the much-coveted medal matters the most as well.
PC: Ouora
- There’s nothing beyond winning a medal in the Olympics that would propel any athlete’s struggles in life into something better to ensure he/she continues to compete with renewed vigor. As you are aware, the Indian sporting scenario is dotted with sporadic wins and interspersed with disappointment in equal measures for failing to leave behind a mark of substance. There is a popular saying that Indians do not possess a sporting culture, and the accompanying killer instinct required to overcome mounting challenges on the field of competition. Thanks to the efforts of the successive Union Government in the last two decades, the Indian sporting scenario is looking more competitive with a few champion sportsmen emerging much to the cheers of Indians.
- While we were glossing over a champion athlete like PT Usha missing out on an Olympic medal by a whisker in the 1980s/90s, we are now celebrating individual glories like Abhinav Bindra winning a gold in shooting, and Neeraj Chopra making us swell with pride in Javelin throw by conquering the elusive gold with great aplomb. Yes, we also have witnessed some of the hallowed sportsmen winning silver and bronze medals to keep the Indian sporting flag flying high despite the disappointment of not winning enough medals commensurate with the humongous population we are blessed with. It’s heartening to note that the efforts are paying off in the form of medal wins as also the overall tally gradually going up from one Olympics to the other.
PC: Mint
- Most importantly, apart from the government sponsorships, the private sponsors flocking to fund potential medal winners is quite heartening. Notable medal winners like the young shooter Manu Bhaker shooting to glory with two back-to-back bronze medals must have warmed the cockles of sports aficionados and sponsors alike. Make no mistake, it takes a tremendous amount of sacrifice, sweat, blood, determination, failures, and attitude to emerge victorious on a field dotted with champion athletes vying for glory. The firm belief to deliver on the most coveted international forum is always backed by grueling work ethics to succeed at the highest levels. The never-say-die approach despite facing Himalayanisqe challenges is what drives these elite athletes to excel.
