When you think of sports in India, cricket is the one thing that comes to mind. Such is the overwhelming popularity of the game in India, that quite unfortunately other games do not even feature in the larger scheme of things. Fortunately though, we seem to be experiencing a change of climate. Today its encouraging to note that other sports
are emerging into the limelight even though cricket still remains miles above the rest.
The Commonwealth Games sure did stir up a whole range of issues. First came delight and pride that our country was going to host them.Then slowly and steadily came the claims of corruption the terrible accomodation conditions etc and there was no visible end to all the allegations. At one point it did look like it was all over. In a surprising turn of events, things seem to salvage themselves and the Games took off to a brilliant start. The opening ceremony did a lot to impress, though I must say that we have always been very good in the entertainment business havent we. And please to all who swoon at the brilliant fireworks display, c'mon dont we burst similar crackers from our terraces during Diwali?
Matching up to the good opening show, our athletes have been doing a good job. One thing I always like about the Commonwealth Games is that unlike the Olympics, where we can hardly look forward to a maximum of 5 or 6 medals overall, these games board actually have India faring much better. India this time have 15 gold medals (upto the point of writing this blog) and are still in running for a couple more!Way to go for all these athletes. Atleast our sportsmen and women have redeemed themselves which brings to light the more crucial factor that India is slowly developing a sports culture. It may be premature to decide that we have made big progress but still its a start nevertheless.
In any case, given the current situation we should end up second to Australia in the medals tally and its nice to see players like Somdev, sania and Saina enter the finals of the singles tennis and badminton respectively.A special mention has to be made for Saina Nehwal who has been making huge waves in the badminton front for the last couple of years. Sadly, as the whole country was gung ho about sania Mirza and her less than satisfactory performance slam after Grand Slam, we havent even given 10 percent of the credit for this brilliant yet unassuming performer. Hope that will change as she has brought way more accolades and is currently world number 3.
Archery and wrestling have always been India's strongest chances for winning medals but I was more impressed that we won our first Gold in the Gymnastics section. Way to go Ashish Kumar. Boy for a 19 year old he does have a great postive attitude. Hope this is the beginning of many more achievements.
One of the most popular sore points is the decline in the Indian men's hockey team. Despite being the national sport and India's most consistent medal hope of the yesteryears, it seems even any medal is a distant possibility. Ruthless as they are, Australia are still hot favorites after thumping wins. Speaking of which, while everyone is raving about India's lead over the third placed team getting ever bigger, people are conveniently ignoring the fact that Australia still are miles ahead of everybody that has participated.
Over the years I have been wondering as to why Australia are amongst the most superior countries as far as sports is concerned. As usual, I have been coming up with excuses that they are stronger as a race etc etc..but the fact still remains that we can also be as good as them if there were better infrastructure and overall a positive attitude. Most countries already treat the Commonwealth Games as obsolete these days anyways but good to see that its a start of international events being hosted in India. Hope the trend continues, then we can even host the Olympics(or am I getting way ahead of myself!!.....Only time will tell).
Signing off guys....hope you enjoyed reading this.....Any feedback is welcome!!!
