A 99 member squad is to represent India in the 2008 Beijing Olympics (8th to 24th August 2008). Saying "represent India" is playing a bit fast and loose with the word itself, unless by "represent" I mean "the number of Indians definite to land at the Beijing airport". The figure 99 consists of 57 athletes and 42 officials including Sania Mirza’s mom !!!!.
Breaking News Section
Abhinav Bindra Wins Gold at Beijing 2008 Olympics, 10 metre Air Rifle Mens Event. Read more here
Mangal Singh Champia has been Ranked 2nd in the Individual Archery Ranking Round . He was just behind Juan Rene Of Mexico (679 points). Mangal got 678 points. He will have a great chance of winning a medal as he will get a relatively easy passage through the rounds. If he keeps up his form, he may win GOLD . Pray for him [ For More Info, please refer the link Below ]
Click here for the Indian Results in Beijing
Also, Who will win the Medals Race ? CHINA VS. USA at the BEIJING GAMES
[ See the List of the 2008 Olympians from India and also the Schedule of Indian Athletic events (date) at the end of this post ].
Many questions pop up in my mind as soon as I see the squad composition. Why does India need 42 officials to manage 57 athletes? Is the Indian Olympic Association (IOA ) afraid that the athletes will not be able to find their way around China without the officials assistance? Or are these officials going to dress up as cheerleaders (like the IPL ones) and dance every time the Indian shooter takes aim or a weightlifter prepares himself for each round? I am sure that that would be a sight to behold and a huge motivation for the Indian shooters and lifters 
. Also why stop at the figure of 99? Why not 100? The figure 99 reminds me of a clothing store where everything ends with 99 (Rs. 199, Rs 599, Rs 999). Is that, then, the ulterior motive of these officials – Shopping in Beijing ? Their personal tour from our tax money. And these officials are the same one who say they will bid for the 2020 Olympic Games in Delhi. Bidding is one thing, but the corruption, the babudom and other Infrastructure related problems make it almost impossible for us to win the bid. I am looking forward to how the 2010 commonwealth games is conducted in Delhi. One more thing to watch out for is the broadcast of the 2008 Olympics in India. As of now DD Sports as the sister TV channel of Doordarshan has the default rights to air the olympics. Many be one more sports channel of DD may air it also. If you can tune CCTV (chinese channel), then you may have one more option. I hope DD Sports is professional and gives the Indian viewers something to savour. The opening ceremony will be telecast live from 5.30 PM Indian time.[ The Chinese are starting at 8.08 PM on 08/08/08 ]
A total of 28 sports! 302 events! And India is sending a contingent of just 57 (USA is sending 596, China has 639 and even tiny Estonia sends 47 ). A look at the Indian contingent and their chances, reinforces the age old, sad story about Indian Sports, the most prominent this time being the absence of India’s national sport – Hockey. For the first time in nearly 8 decades, the Indian Hockey Team , which has done the nation proud (with 8 Gold medals), failed to qualify for the 2008 Olympics. What is the cause of this dismal state of Indian Sports? We are the world’s biggest democracy, the second most populous country in the world. Then why is that in a span of 4 years, we are only able to produce 57 top athletes? ‘Outlook’ in their latest issue carried an article covering the top athletes favored to win medals at the Beijing Olympics! Not one of them was Indian! This is a matter of national shame, an aspect that the Indian Govt needs to look at closely. It is not enough to be a nuclear power, it is not enough to be an IT offshore house. To be a real super power needs more than that, to be a real super power means giving the citizens every reason to be proud of their country. I also read about Iraq’s ban from this years Olympics and their subsequent approval to compete. Dana Hussain , a Iraqi female athlete has qualified for the 100 and 200 meter sprints. The whole world’s press has praised her commitment even though Iraq is in a grip of civil war. The world’s press has not even noticed or commented at Indian Olympians this year. Deservedly so.
The Govt. should step up and do its bit to promote other sports and encourage the sportsman. Indians for example have done remarkably well in shooting; but it being an expensive sport, needs financial support from the Govt. While the Indian T20 champion team got cash rewards to the tune of lakhs, shooters like Gagan Narang (Indian Olympic Squad member) had to request the Govt. for a 40 lakhs rupees grant, which was also not to be given in entirety. Thankfully, a number of Pvt. Organizations, such as Gold Quest and others have stepped in to help out this Olympic Medal hopeful. Also incidents such as the ones where the Boxers (Akhil Kumar , Jitender Kumar and Vijender ) were handed empty envelopes at the felicitation ceremony does nothing to boost the morale of these sportsmen. Also reward money to the tune of just Rs.25,000 is not very uplifting and although it is “better than nothing” it is still a paltry sum. Billiards and snooker champion Pankaj Advani ’s resentment, Asia Cup hockey champions India getting virtually nothing for their win are more stories that illustrate the pathetic state of non-cricket sports.
Media too plays an important role in undermining the role of other sports. Crickets are seen endorsing every sort of products from hair gel to clothing brands to bikes and cars (thankfully they are not yet posing for Whisper Ads!). But do we see any other athletes in any Ads? Do we see Anju Booby George endorsing anything, do we see Sania Mirza in the Ads as much as the cricketers? An iconic figure like Vishwanathan Anand has just NIIT and recently AMD as sponsors. Why would anyone then dedicate an entire lifetime to national pride only to be shunned by the same nation?
The worst culprits are Indians who believe that all other sports are secondary to that one sport which is played only by a handful of the world’s countries. All we care for as a nation is cricket. On a day when India wins we are all ga ga over the damned cricketers, calling them heroes, rewarding them in every possible way. The next day when India loses a match, we question the same cricketers, curse them, ask for their removal. In this continuous circle of live and hatred all other sports lose out. I am sure most Indians would remember that Indian won the T20 but cannot even recollect how many medals Indian won at the 2004 Olympics or who won them ( 1 silver in Shooting by Lt. Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore ). All the efforts of these valiant athletes who overcome all sorts of odds (inferior training facilities, lack of funds, no support from the Govt.) are buried under the lack of interest of an entire nation interested only in cricket. While a series win against Bangladesh is splashed all over in huge letters in all papers, a World Championship in any other sports merit just half a page. Players like Leander Paes , Sania Mirza find more print space because of their T shirts and controversies; basically everything else other than the sports itself.
It is heartening, however, to see the efforts of certain Organizations in promoting these neglected sports in India. BCCI has already promised financial aid to the Indian Olympic contingent. ONGC has also been helping players with funds and facilities. Other noteworthy organizations are Gold Quest and also Individuals such as DSP Merryl Lynch Vice Chairman Shitin Desai, co-founder of Sify Ltd R. Ramaraj and Rakesh Khanna. Certain states too are encouraging players by rewarding them with cash. (TN announced rewards for both Sharath Kamal and Vishy) but more needs to be done. I as a person,who is not interested in cricket am left to find my allegiance with players of other countries for sports such as football or tennis. I am not proud of India for its cricketing talent or lack of it and I hence I am left with barely any other sport to be proud of. That’s why when it is Olympics time, I am excited about the prospect of Indian Sports. Even though we are sending only 57 Indian Olympians , whether we win gold or not I am immensely proud of them. The fact that they have risen above a nation which does not care much for them speaks volume of their dedication. I wish each and every one of them, the very best for their Olympic attempts.
To hear India’s National Anthem being played while the tricolor unfurls on Chinese soil would be the sweetest of all glory every Indian wishes for.
India’s Total Olympics Medal Tally:
- 8 Gold medals, 1 Silver medal and 2 Bronze medals in Hockey
- 2 Silver medals in Athletics and 1 in Shooting
- Bronze for wrestling ( Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav 1952 Helsinki)
- Bronze for tennis ( Leander Paes 1996 Atlanta)
- Bronze for weightlifting ( Karnam Malleswari 2000 Sydney)
Indian 2008 Olympics Medal Hopes:
These are the Indian participants at the 2008 Olympics to watch out for:
- Manavjit Singh – Shooting (Trap Men)
- Rajyavardhan Rathore – Shooting(Double Trap Men)
- Anju Bobby George – Athletics (Long Jump)
- Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupati – Tennis (Mens Doubles)
- Dinesh Kumar – Boxing (-81 kg category)
- Akhil Kumar – Boxing (-54 kg category)
- Vijender – Boxing (-75 kg category)
The Indian Squad for Beijing Olympics 2008:
(courtesy IBNLive)
For the first time India is sending a team of swimmers to the Beijing Games. So below is the list of India athletes at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
- Archery : Dola Banerjee, Pranitha Vardhineni, L Bombayala Devi, Mangal Singh Champia.
- Athletics : Anju Bobby George (Long Jump), Krishna Poonia (Discus), Harwant Kaur (Discus), Preeja Sreedharan (10,000m), Manjit Kaur (400m), Chitra Soman (4×400m relay), Sini Jose (4×400m relay),MR Poovamma (4×400m relay), Mandeep Kaur (4×400m relay), S Geeta (4×400m relay), K Mridula (4×400m relay), J J Shobha (Heptathlon), Sushmita Singh Roy (Heptathlon), G G Pramila (Heptathlon),Vikas Gowda (Discus), Renjith Maheswary (Triple Jump), Surender Singh (10000m).
- Badminton : Anup Sridhar, Saina Nehwal
- Boxing : Jitender (51kg), Akhil Kumar (54kg), A L Lakhra (57kg), Vijender(75kg) and Dinesh Kumar (81kg)
- Judo : Khumujam Tombi Devi, Divya.
- Rowing : Bajrang Lal Takhar (Single M1X), Devnder Khandwal and Manjeet Singh (Light Weight Double Scull).
- Shooting : Manavjit Singh Sandhu (Clay Pigeon Trap), Mansher Singh (Clay Pigeon Trap), Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (Clay Pigeon Double Trap), Gagan Narang (10m Air Rifle), Abhinav Bindra (10m AirRifle), Samresh Jung (10m Air Pistol), Sanjeev Rajput (50m Rifle 3 Position), Anjali Bhagwat (50m Rifle 3 Position), Avneet Kaur Sidhu (10m Air Rifle).
- Swimming : Virdawal Khade (50m, 100m, 200m Freestyle), Ankur Poseria (100m Butterfly), Sandeep Sejwal (100m, 200m Breaststrokes), Rehan Poncha (200m butterfly).
- Table Tennis : Achanta Sharath Kamal, Neha Aggarwal.
- Tennis : Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi (doubles), Sania Mirza (singles and doubles), Sunitha Rao (doubles).
- Weightlifting : L Monika Devi (69kg) ?? may be shailaja pujari now
- Wrestling : Sushil Kumar (66 kg Freestyle), Yogeshwar Dutt (60 kg Freestyle), Rajiv Tomar (120 kg Freestyle).
- Yachting : Major NS Johal (Heavyweight Dinghy).
What can be done to Improve India’s chances of winning Olympic Medals :
This is a very interesting piece of information I came across while watching the News (cnn ibn) the other day. It said that the reason for winning more medals have nothing to do with population or the wealth of a nation. The news quoted the findings of a research carried out by two experts (Anirudh Krishna and Eric Haglund) at the Duke University – USA, Social Mobility is the key to sucesss at the Olympics.
Social Mobility is brought about by better infrastructure. The study cited the example of Portugal whose Olympic medals tally increased with the improvement of Radio Network . According to the research, better informed people perform better .
I agree with this article in its conclusion. Although, I feel that the reason cited by it is just one of a combination of factors. If we look at the history of great players like Pele or Maradona , famous NBA stars, some have a not very affluent history. Some in fact grew up in slums. The same way, there is a whole lot of talent in the Indian Villages . We need to tap into this and spot and develop these talents. Has anyone seen a village boy running or swimming in that wild river ? Well I have and I can vouch that some run like the wind and swim like a mermaid. With a little training and grooming these children can perform wonders.
Schedule of Indian Events at the Olympics
[We will post the events that Indian athletes are partcipating on a particular date. At once we will post the events of the next 4 days at a time. Enjoy the Olympics]
Click here for the Indian Team/Athletes Results in Beijing on a daily basis.
August 9th – Day 1
Archery
Team and Individual- Ranking Round Dola Banerjee, Bombayala Devi and Pranitha Vardineni
Individual- Ranking Round Mangal Singh Champia
Badminton
Women’s Singles – Saina Nehwal(IND) vs. Ella Karchakova(RUS) at 5.10 PM IST
Boxing
Men’s Middle (75kg) Round of 32 – Vijender Kumar vs Jack Badou
Men’s Light Heavy (81kg) Round of 32 – Dinesh Kumar vs AbdelHafid
Judo
The Women’s 48 kg Judo – Khumujam Tombi Devi
Shooting
Men’s 10 metre air pistol – Samaresh Jung
Men’s trap – Mansher Singh and Manavjit Singh Sandhu
Women’s 10 metre air rifle – Anjali Bhagwat and Avneet Kaur Sidhu
Swimming
Men’s 100 meter breaststroke – Sandeep Sejwal
August 10th – Day 2
Archery
Team – Final (On Qualification) Dola Banerjee, Bombayala Devi and Pranitha Vardineni
Badminton
Men’s Singles – Anup Sridhar (IND) vs. Vasconcelos (POR) at 7.30AM IST
Shooting
Men’s trap – Final (On Qualification) Mansher Singh and Manavjit Singh Sandhu
Swimming
Men’s 200 metre freestyle – Virdhawal Khade
Men’s 100 meter breaststroke – Heats (On Qualification) Sandeep Sejwal
Tennis
Matches of Tennis will start on August 10th and will be played on until August 16th.
Men’s Doubles tennis competition – Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes
Women’s Singles tennis competition – Sania Mirza vs I Benesova(Czech Republic)
Women’s Doubles tennis competition – Sania Mirza and Sunitha Rao
August 11th - Day 3
Swimming
Men’s 200 metre butterfly – Rehan Poncha
Men’s 100 meter breaststroke – Finals (On Qualification) Sandeep Sejwal
Men’s 200 metre freestyle -(On Qualification) Virdhawal Khade
Shooting
Men’s 10 metre air rifle – Abhinav Bindra and Gagan Narang
Tennis
Depending on results of August 10th matches. [Will Update Daily as and when results come]
August 12th – Day 4
Archery
Individual- Second elimination rounds(On Qualification) Dola Banerjee, Bombayala Devi and Pranitha Vardineni
Shooting
Men’s 50 metre pistol – Samaresh Jung
Men’s double trap – Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore
Swimming
Men’s 100 metre freestyle – Virdhawal Khade
Men’s 200 metre breaststroke – Sandeep Sejwal
Men’s 200 metre freestyle – (On Qualification) Virdhawal Khade
Men’s 200 metre butterfly – (On Qualification) Rehan Poncha
Tennis
Depending on result of August 11th matches. [Will Update Daily as and when results come]
[On Qualification indicates if the participant has qualified for the next round, then they have that event scheduled for that day]
Indian Olympic Updates
[ In this section we will provide updates about the events and performance of the Indian Olympians at the Beijing games]
- India’s only Weightlifting squad member Monika Devi from Manipur was dropped from the Olympic squad just ahead of it’s departure to beijing after she failed a dope test. Monika alleges that this is all politics played by Shailaja Pujari , another veteran weight lifter(both are in the 69kg category). As usual with Indian sport, a huge drama was played out in the SAI office by supporters of Monika. It remains to be seen if Shailaja will be sent to Beijing now.
- Rajyavardhan Rathore has been selected to be India’s flag bearer at the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony.
- For all updates on the performance of India in 2008 Olympics click here
- Abhinav Bindra Wins Gold at Beijing 2008 Olympics, 10 metre Air Rifle Mens Event.
Now we come to the part in which the Indians are the best. Guessing. Rack up your Astrological insights and tell me how many will India Win ??
[poll id="7"]
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Thak you some one with a brain. I also think that the Indian Olympic Comitee is to be blaimed. They choose there players on a bases that Hindus should be the frist to go and disenfranchising Sikhs Muslims and the other minorities of india. India’s Hockey teams used to be composed of a mix mixed Sikh-Hindu group. NO the only “sikh” is there damn coach Gill wh obribes the goverment into doing what he wants them to do. India doesn’t encourage minorities in the field of athletics because they just wish to supress us. Lets not froget one of the greatest Olympian from india Milkha Singh aka the flying Sikh. As the son of two NRIs I am ashamed of the counry that i originated from.
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Hmm, nice article… But there is another historical point that we are ignoring in all this..
India lacks a modern sporting culture akin to countries like Australia, US etc… its difficult to inculcate it in this generation…the government should set long term goals like the 2020 olympics and pick 2000 hopeful young athletes(below 12 years) and ensure we win atleast 20 gold in 2020…
Target 20 in 2020 should be the Indian Governments slogan
I hope india wins a few gold medals in 2008 olympics. But in reality the chances of winning a sinlge gold medal is just a dream.
Blame the politicians for this…..as they show no interest in sports.
1 billion people with a handfull of Gold Medals. The whole world is laughing….HA HA HA
@Jashan Singh- I really think that Sports cannot implement reservations. I am not sure what thoughts went into the team composition, but then it would be unfair to select a team based on caste. Ability should be the only criteria for selection at such competetive levels. I really applaud the like of Mikha Singh and Balbir Singh Senior who have won accolades for India at the highest levels. The problem with this years team composition is that the hockye team, which has a lot of players from minority communities is missing. Also Sania Mirza is from the “minority” community.
@bhaskar- Completely agree with you. India lacks the infrastructure for training athletes. However, some organisations stepping up for the improvement of sports in India (besides cricket) things will get better.
I really hope that when India bids for the 2020 Olympics as Kalamai has said, we have amongst us athletes who will ensure that the tricolor unfurls on Indian soil more than a dozen times.
@ Indian Patriot -I also hope that India grabs a few medals this Olympics. More than politicians I blame the Indian public, the majority of whose sports interest stretch only to cricket. These athletes need encouragement. They need us to support them, cheer them.
Nice article.
Having good hold on IT or Cricket alone doesn’t make a country. Country should prosper in all aspects and it is all so more important to showcase that in Olympics.
As one comment mentioned, instead of dreaming for next Olympics (which none to impossible), should target 2020 and start training some 5000 children right away.
Olympics is the time which really brings great happiness (seeing how world comes together despite its problems to celebrate) and at same time, great shame for being a Indian (knowing that the medal hops is little or none).
Top article. It makes my blood boil when Indians talk about cricket- a sport where countries with tiny populations such as australia, new zealand, sri lanka and the west indies often beat us. I agree with the author- the blame lies with media for portraying pathetic crickers in such high esteem, the Indian public for only really playing cricket on an ammateur level, but most of all the government for not funding and encourage young children to play other sports. I think the problem lies with the masses of the poor- they only ever see the way out of poverty by playing cricket(or making it in bollywod). If, for example a football was provided to a poor community in Dharavi, Mumbai, it would encourage the children to take the game up. This is how countries such as Brazil and Argentina produce such fine footballers. Basically, the entire mindframe of the Indian population needs to change along with heavy government investment to remove this horrid sport known as cricket.
At least we are better than Pakistan.
@pradeep- Thanks
@Anish- I feel cricket is Ok. And the fact that India’s are so crazy about it will ensure that cricket is here to stay. But too much of it and the govt.’s and the public’s obsession with it is what is killing other sports. This needs to be taken very seriously and addressed at the earliest.
@Uday- We have better rankings than Pakistan even in cricket. Although thats some solace, its not good enough. We should be comparing ourselves with China if at all. And China is already hosting the games while we are still thinking about bidding for it in 2020.
Ours is a cricket crazy country. Both the Government and the public are crazy in terms of spending and viewing. Though in hockey and many other fields we have won laurals, they are treated as second class sportsman which is unjust. Equality & justice should be showered to promote the spirit of sportsmanship in all events of sports.
in our country cricket is given more preference due to which games like Hockey where we were world champions has beeen neglected. i prefer that every sport has to be given equal importance because each sport has its own beauty.
Boxing is my favourate sport. it should be encouraged but with all special measures so that no body is injured badly. I wish the boxing contingent all the success in the coming games.
Hi…decent article….!!!
My picks for 2008 olympics
1.Leander and Mahesh (Tennis)
2.Gagan Narang (Shooting)
3.Abhinav Bindra (Shooting)
4.Manavjit Singh (Shooting)
5.Vijender (Boxing)
6.Dinesh Kumar (Boxing)
7.Archery Team Event
8.Saina Nehwal (Badminton)
Very well written and factual article. Best wishes to each of our athletes.
Ineed we feel proud of them that they could go to represnt India inspite of our govt,olympic committee, & us.
Hope our cricket fans, media and sponsors will learn a lesson out of this and will support some of other sports too.Thanks for the article.
SUBIR KUMAR SAHA
The only hope of medal in Beijing Olympics is Gagan Narang, I am totally confedent, on his performance, he must be earn one medal for INDIA.
ya i also feel he is a good hope..
I also feel some new talent should somehow clinch a medal..
Go India Go…
guys all of you please watch the olympics..
I am totally disagree with the comments of jashan singh and want to say whoeever deservs is playing for the nation. In contrast to what u said i think the opposite is going on and the players from minority are coming to the national teams based on the quota reserved for states.
The author seems to have written this just to take out his anger over India’s poor show in Olympics and other multi-sports events.
I will go step by step to counter some of the hypothesis that the author is trying to push down to the readers.
1. “Why does India need 42 officials to manage 57 athletes”: Why not. Even if there is just one athlete, ideally you need a coach, physical trainer, masseur, manager at least. One grumbles about cricket getting so much attention, but look at the way they do it. They have all these support staff. Why not the Olympic-bound athlete get it. India is participating in 14 disciplines, so obviously there will be as many coaches, managers and masseurs. In athletics, long distance events, sprints, throwers, jumpers have different support staff. You don’t want to give these to Indian athletes and then grumble about poor show.
2. And India is sending a contingent of just 57 (USA is sending 596, China has 639…): What do you think. We can send as many as we want if money was not an issue. One needs to qualify to be in Olympics. That many from US qualified as those from China and Estonia. Remember, Estonia was formerly a part of great Soviet Union which had remarkable sporting tradition.
By going through your listings of medal hopefuls, I can conclude that you don’t follow Indian sports as much as you would like to.
1. Anju Bobby George is past her prime. It would be a miracle if she makes it to the final this time. In fact, I don’t see any one from track and field making the finals, let alone be a contender for a medal of any colour.
2. Dinesh Kumar, boxing: India has no chance in heavier weights. Dinesh just about managed to earn the berth to Beijing. The real hopes as Akhil Kumar and Vijender.
3. Sania Mirza: You must be joking. She hasn’t won two matches in a row in any tournament this year. To be able to be a medal contender she needs to win four matches in a row before making it to the semifinals. There one loss is still allowed but in the bronze medal playoff she needs to win to get to the medal.
Now Mr Jashan Singh: You think its the religion which ensures berth in Olympic Games. You are real crazy. Do you know who is Manavjit Singh Sandhu, a cut sardar, his father Gurbir Singh still wears pagadi, Avneet Kaur Sidhu, a sardarni. Then there are Manjit Kaur and Mandeep Kaur in athletics, Manjit Singh in rowing . And mind you they didn’t get selected to make the balance in the team. They deserved it as they reached the Olympic standard and won the berths just as others did. Who are Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi and the host of track athletes, all Christians. Sania Mirza is muslim. Mr Jashan Singh, I am ashamed of your poor knowledge. Sitting somewhere outside India and living your life as a father of NRI sons, you could at best have done your homework well.
Dear Anish, don’t blame the media. Have you ever worked in one? In the era of demand and supply, unless there is demand no one would supply crap of cricket.
Mr Jashan Singh: You think its the religion which ensures berth in Olympic Games. You are real crazy. Do you know who is Manavjit Singh Sandhu, a cut sardar, his father Gurbir Singh still wears pagadi, Avneet Kaur Sidhu, a sardarni. Then there are Manjit Kaur and Mandeep Kaur in athletics, Manjit Singh in rowing . And mind you they didn’t get selected to make the balance in the team. They deserved it as they reached the Olympic standard and won the berths just as others did. Who are Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi and the host of track athletes, all Christians. Sania Mirza is muslim. Mr Jashan Singh, I am ashamed of your poor knowledge. Sitting somewhere outside India and living your life as a father of NRI sons, you could at best have done your homework well
Really nice article.
can u believe its no even 10 days for world’s biggest sports event and there is not a single news on it in any of the media channels.
doest it show our interest on sports as a whole…..and the responsibilities of the media.
@Kirti : Did you even read the article before posting your comment? You start by saying “The author seems to have written this just to take out his anger over India’s poor show in Olympics and other multi-sports events.” And then you are the one who is grumbling in your comment. Please read the article properly and if you need some assistance in understanding the whole point of the article, do lemme know.
Quote:India is participating in 14 disciplines, so obviously there will be as many coaches, managers and masseurs. In athletics, long distance events, sprints, throwers, jumpers have different support staff.: End of Quote
Do you really think Mrs Nasima Mirza (Sania Mirza’s mom ) being the Tennis Manager is really justifiable?
Also the shooting team, the most favoured to win some medal(s) has just three officials. They do not have a fitness and mental trainer with them. Is that correct?
Also how do you explain the non-inclusion of Heath Mathew? Esp sine Akhil himself has cried himself hoarse over it?
For Akhil and Vijender, this is their second olympics. And there is absolutely no reason why Dinesh cannot work a miracle. He did well enough to qualify in Kazakhstan and has done well in the recent past.
India will win about 10 medals this time because we need to trust on our athletes,though the government isn’t doing something.India currently is ranking 50,after this olympics it will be at in 30’s.
Nice. Good information. Well done.
I hope india wins a few gold medals in 2008 olympics. But in reality the chances of winning a sinlge gold medal is just a dream.
Blame the politicians for this…..as they show no interest in sports.
1 billion people with a handfull of Gold Medals. The whole world is laughing….HA HA HA
Set up a corporate structure for sports in INDIA. At least 2020 Olympics we might have a chance….
JAI HIND !!!
Dear Juno,
I am sorry I was not able to express fully as I would like to have done. About support staff, I started off by saying that sportspersons do need support staff you should not grumble about the numbers. Well the point about Sania’s mother is well taken, but what can you do if Sania herself wants her Mom around. Isn’t it that she is the one who is to perform and if she is comfortable when her Mom is around then be it. The real question should have been, why government should fund her Mom’s trip and I am also against it. This is Olympics, but throughout the year she travels to so many countries and her Mom is there with her, if that is the set up she is comfortable in how can you deny her that. IOA should have said that Mom is allowed but not at Government cost. I don’t think there would have been any problem for Sania to fund her mother’s trip as she does for her other tournaments.
Juno get to the point in this way. Just not talk because you feel something about it. Think the way athlete is thinking.
I can give you names of officials who are not at all qualified to be there in Beijing. They are going there as managers or other support staff because it is allowed by our ill-informed government/sports ministry. In fact they also know it and still sanction it. This is the point one should grumble about not the size of the officials. In fact I would say there should have been more (qualified and necessary support staff like Mr Matthew). The author never questioned the quality of offcials, but just talked about the size of the contingent and that they were more interested in shopping. If you are a competent person in your field and are destined to go to foreign country for work, would you not shop something for home. That is human nature, what is so unnatural about it. And I am sure government do not fund their shopping sprees. To and fro tickers and stay is understandable because it goes from our tax money.
Yes I agree that shooters should have more support staff that what they have got. Mental trainers and others, but what do you do when government can not even provide proper and enough ammunition to practice. They had to struggle to get the import license which came so late that further procurement would have reached about this time. Hence shooters decided to go abroad and buy it from open market and practice there. It is costly but what do you do, you can’t come to India with that kind of ammunition. Customs will stop you, will ask questions, there are no individual licences to import ammunition, though guns can be imported. In this whole scenario where is the time for mental training. Though it is very much required.
Lastly, about the boxers. If you are waiting for a miracle, then you and me can also hope to win a medal.
Indians have never done well in heavy classes. That is the history. Dinesh did well to qualify, understood. He had a first round bye then he beat a Syrian boxer and he was in semifinals. So one bout and in last four. Do you get my point. He then beat Mandakhbayar of Mongolia in the semis to qualify. In the final he lost off course. In Olympics though it would not be a small field. He will have to win at least three bouts in a row before having any real chance for the medal. Its difficult. May be I will also wait for the miracle you are talking about.
And Juno, basically I was incensed by the reply of Jashan Singh and that prompted to be write my reply in the first place. Generally I don’t express my thoughts because there are so many people with ideas as vague as possible, its better to keep quite. If you still think I am wrong, I am ready to defend myself with yet another reply.
@Juno and Kirit Patel
Hey guys, both of u have given good points. anyways the subtext of both of you are same..so dont argue guys…
so lets hope Indian medal prospects at the games gives us some pride…I am waiting for this olympics to start..
Best of luck to the indian contingent..make our country proud
Nasir: Thanks for your comments and suggestion. If I sound like fighting then I am sorry. By the way I am Patil, not Patel.
Indian in Olympics? A big question mark. Who are to be blamed, is also a big question mark. The system in India, itself has a big questions mark.
Now, after reading the articles and comments, I found that we lack enthusiasm. No doubt the article is informative and some comments are little harsh, we should appreciate each other fellow Indian. Our sense of regionalism, castetism, selfishness, corruption or hegemony in games and sports should be completely destroyed, than only India can produce more Olympians. I am not a moderator, but I hope I have the freedom to give my comments as:
In India, we thought that the more we shout the more we are correct and the silent person penalizes. Likewise, in games and sports the more prosperous and media focused, they are selected or hand picked. If the officials don’t have their athletes than they try to suppress the other athletes by any means. For example, most of the time, if a person in a discipline try to come up by defeating a sports official’s nominee, than there is fair chances that she/he will be nipped in the bud, so that they would never ever come up. The talents are stampeded in India and the near and dear ones become sportsmen. I don’t know how many of you agree with this. But take the sportsmen, officials and the financial statistics and you will find it. Also, see the controversies surrounding the Sports Authority of India campus. The situation is pathetic. However, there are instances or exceptions like Rathore who defies the offialdom and comes up. We should remember his statement and the reactions of sports authorities in giving the credit after he got the Silver Medal in 2004 Olympics.
How about the former Olympians? Does their lifestyle impress the new generations? I think it is a big NO. It is correct that India had won 8 Olympic gold medals in Hockey. But than do anyone know how the lives of the living hockey athlete’s are leading? What is the benefit given to the former Olympians by the Govt. of India? This is the major turning point for the decline of the games and sports in India. Thus, the young generations obviously like to become Dhoni or Sachin.
I have learn that to become an Olympian the athletes need to have dedication, devotion, sacrifices, self respect and will power. Did our Coaches teach this to our sports youngsters? If so, why their students do not deliver? The teacher/s should be sacked first. I, myself had tried to become sportsmen, but than I found that I have no talent or strength to go in any sports, so that I can earn a medal for myself. Now what is the point for me to further pursue it? Thus, I go for further study, which benefited me. This common sense is lacking in our Indian mind. Everyone thought that they will one day become like Dhoni who held from Jharkhand. But to me, Cricket is not a sport; it is the ongoing mental slavery of the British in this modern era. Physically India got independence from British in the year August 1947 but mentally we are still slaves even today in the name of Cricket.
With this word, I hope the 1.4 billion populations of India should try hard to produce one or two more Olympians in the coming generation. I am also trying, but not the way that we bedded our woman and reproduce exponentially. Quality and corruption free is what the mantra should be.
Gajananda: I can understand your concern. You have touched a very soft point. The scenario you are trying to explain is one of the bane of Indian sports. But not all Olympians of today are rich. Most of the athletes are from very poor background. They try to do well and earn medals. Getting selected for Olympics is part of it, but the actual idea is to get medals and recognition before some government department like Petroleum companies, Railways, police, offer them jobs. Once the job is secured and out of turn promotions are taken, they forget sports. That is the reality.
Secondly, you talk about one should realise what can be achieved. That is very important. Everyone can not become sportsperson or cricketer. If one is interested play the game for fun but dont waste time and money on becoming serious sportsperson.
Also, our sportspersons should know when to retire. They keep on hanging till the federation decides to kick them out.
good information…being an Indian, I will try to do something for our nation..
I really pity you. with all the crap your NRI parents filled our brain. I see it in a some of Sikh NRIs who still live in 1980s. too bad you think this way In this time of Manmohan singh
@ Kirti Patil: Really appreciate your comments. Only the first statement of your first comment infuriated me as this post was written entirely with the intentions of cheering the Indian team and analysing why Indian sports scene is the way it is and what can be done about it. I have modified the post to include Akhil and Vijender as per your suggestion.
@ Gajananda: You have put forth things in a very nice manner. Thanks for your inputs.
Also about what can be done about increasing Indian Medal Hopes by the time we host the Games: I have included some fresh new information.
Thank U Yuno, Kriti and others.
Yesterday only, I had written about the tricks and trades of the Indian sporting authorities. How they suppressed sportsmen and how they tried to nominate their athlete. The corrupt official will never tell you right on your face but they will stab you from your back. Beware the Sports officials of India specially SAI, who are like the dreaded terrorist groups trying to produce more and more terrorist (in this case the victim himself or herself will start going against the country) in India. Check today’s headlines:
Monika claims test faulty, says she’s innocent:
http://www.ibnlive.com/olympicsnews/monika-claims-test-faulty-says-shes-innocent/70524-29.html
Monika out, Shailaja has chance: Venkatramiah
http://www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf/0/54ABE6EB00A298FA6525749D001D3A1A?OpenDocument
I am innocent, I have been framed: Monika
http://olympics.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/3332461.cms
And many more……..
Very well-written article on the prospects of Indian sports at the Beijing Olympics. Here are my two cents on the whole issue:
@Jashan Singh: Religious or caste-based reservation is NOT the answer to this or any of India’s problems. If anything, such measures have slowed India’s growth, perversely stunting the development of the very lower classes whose uplift they were designed for. In sporting terms, it cannot and must not matter what “type” of Indian you are: rich, poor, North, South, Brahmin or OBC…we are all Indians and should be united in supporting, no, DEMANDING from this government that it fund its atheletes well.
Concerning the Olympic Games: I am sorry, everyone, to rain on the parade. India will NOT be winning any significant medals this time. India’s objective needs to be to become far more professional and slick in its Olympic operation. The reason is simple: The IOC will never select New Delhi, unless India’s performance at the Olympic Games picks up. I am surprised how people are being led to believe that the capital stands a chance against other cities of the world. Lest anyone compare Delhi to Beijing or Atlanta: both cities are in countries which did historically well in the Olympic Games. Same applies to the 1988 host city, Seoul.
The best way for the government of the day to deal with this issue is to have a clear programme, starting in 2009 to restructure the IOA, bring in foreign coaches (and the best Indians too, obviously) and radically increase the financial commitments in the budget. The IOA MUST NOT be run by former politicians awaiting their pension but by professionals who have had success in the corporate world. Only an entrepreneurial spirit can turn India’s fortune’s around to a sufficient extent. The country’s major corporations need to get behind the effort, contribute to modernising training facilities and more rigorous training schedules. The main reason for athletes NOT qualifying is lack of preparation, time and resources. Only if our sportsmen and sportswomen get enough exposure to the outside world can they compete for that record-breaking time and tear down Olympic barriers. Indians have it in them to be sporting greats. But everyone has to stop being unrealistic about it and have the same old discussion every four years. Unless India changes tack, and fast, the country will never be taken seriously as either a sporting nation or a viable candidate for hosting the Olympic Games.
New Delhi is a good candidate for 2020: the metro is excellent, and the International Airport is being radically altered to reflect international standards. Look at the new buses there too! But in order to win the IOC over, India MUST start getting its act together now, in time for London 2012. Otherwise, it is very unlikely that the IOC will give the Olympics to India in another generation (particularly as every continent has its own turn!). Feel free to comment. Discussion livens the spirit!
And why is it so important to win an Olympic gold? What does it bring??
Having an army guy win a shooting medal a joke of the Olympic spirit of ‘amateur’ competition.
Whether 10 people from my nation are the best in the world at an obscure sport such as ‘hammer throw’ or ’shot put’ does not affect my national pride by any means. The fact that BCCI controls the ICC (for the right or wrong reasons) and brings business into the country is far more important…and that really has nothing to do with the abilities of our cricketers.
Let’s face facts..as a race we’d prefer to do integral calculus than go ‘yacht racing’ or ’shot putting’ and I see noting wrong with it.
When the Olympics is over we will be back to calculating the run rate we need to win a key match against New Zealand. We will sip our chai, make our children do homework and watch the latest Bollywood movie on cable until 2012 when we will start to complain about our poor Olympic performance.
The good thing about sports is that victory does not mean anyting particular, simply that you can perform a task better than someone given a set of often silly rules.
@neil
its a very negative attitude that u have…i feel only a man who has played sport knows the joy of winning or anguish of losing…in the olympics this joy is shared by our country men..
I agree India’s chances in the olympics for winning a medal is less but still we have to push our countrymen…
The chinese have a saying ” To build a Race, u need to build your body”
I would love to see the day in which the Indian wins the 100 mtr sprint
@Neil
Olympics is a great stage for talent, commitment and patriotism. I understand it is always not about winning, but being in the battle alone is what proves how mighty you are.
If you donot care about sports such as ‘hammer throw’ or ’short put’, then I wonder why you care about cricket either.
Winning medals in the olympics is a matter of great pride for any country. It has been so always, and the history provides enough proofs for the same.
Neil: So you think winning Olympic medal is not important. Good luck to you. I guess you live in a world where only money talks or rather the other way round, unless there is money you don’t talk.
First, what does Olympic medal brings? Nothing if you say so. Then why is that so many billions of dollars that IOC sponsors spend when the Games get going. Why does US, Russia, China, Australia, prepare with much gutso for the Olympic Games. Its a celebration of sports fool. You want to be money minded all the times I guess. Unless something generates money it is not important is it. I am sure you don’t celebrate your birthdays either. became what does it bring. In fact you would be spending money on it, isn’t it.
Secondly, in which world are you living in. Olympics and amateurism parted their ways long ago. In late 80s IOC decided to allow professionals take part and what is the harm. Rather now boxing is the lone sport in Olympics which is pure amateurs based, for all others the sport is a way to make money. You only want cricketers to make money is it.
And by your standard how in the hell an Army guy not amateur. Even in the old days of amateur-Olympics he would have qualified first hand. He is not shooting to earn money. He is serving the nation. In fact all other shooters, well Sanjeev Rajput is a Navy man, rest are all employed with other departments and may be called professionals.
Check out the world’s top shooters and their profiles. More than half of them are from army, navy or the police departments.
Neil, have you ever thought of serving the nation? I don’t think so. Calling Rathore a joke is a disrespect of the medal he won, his dedication and overall of the country whom he serves. I am ashamed of you Neil.
I presume you live in India. If you call hammer throw or shot put an obscure sport then your knowledge of athletics or the development of human race is shortsighted. These are actions coverted into sports from daily human chores. Didn’t you threw stones or different sizes to bring down just formed mangoes or other fruits from the trees. That in different form is shot put or hammer throw. If you were a Chinese then you would have said what an obscure sport this cricket is. In fact you would have an opportunity to criticize anything in that country.
India’s biggest problem is that:
1) The government is really involved with the sporting scene. And you can be sure that there will be certain politicians who will interfere with the building of facilities or purchasing of equipment or choosing of the most talented athletes.
2) Athletics isn’t as important to many Indian parents as academics. So what if you win a gold medal in shooting? We want you to get top marks on that next exam.
Your best bet is to send Indian citizens abroad, get them trained, and have them come back to compete for you. I learned how to swim competitively here in the US. There is no chance I would have made the US swim team, but looking at the Olympic swimmers from India for the 2012 games, I think I could have qualified had I decided to come back to India for the trials.
@AR
cool AR..i think u should have given it a try…
and what u tell about parents is very true
I feel that the reason for no devlopment of games other then cricket is; not encouraging at the primary level to go with athletics. You’re article is worth reading.And I also like cricket
.
[...] This year India is hoping to reap medals in tennis, boxing and shooting at this Olympics. This year India is first time sending a team of swimmers. India is only sending 57-sportsperson (but 42 officials!) for 302 events. World press has not even commented on our Olympic athletes. Read more of such ironies and details about Indian Olympic squad about India’s Olympics team here. [...]
I Think that v should spend more time and money on athletics
and many other fields where we are lacking in olympics.
@Jashan Singh: We Indians are ashamed of you.
You better be in the country where you are currently or try to learn what India is about.
I believe it is more to do with finding the right talent at right age and groom them to b the best. I don’t see any steps being taken by SAI or IOA in that direction.
They are trying to see INDIA’s name in the list of HOST countries of Olympics ( I am not against it) rather than seeing INDIA’s name in MEDAL list (this should be priority).
I believe politics in India is ruining Sports in India. We say that the parents like to see their children getting good marks rather than seeing them winning a medal. Why they should not? They see a safe/secure future in academics rather than in sports.
Cricket is an exception to my above comment. We all know the reason why. We have everything there name, fame. Why don’t we try to bring other sports in this list? No Politics, good Infrastructure, better facilities, secure Future and potential talent (which I believe India have. it is just we need to identify them) and see India there goes India at the top (I hope this will happen)…
I am very impressed by what Juno, Kirti and Gajananda has written. Kudos to you all.
We all Indians are proud of all our 57 Indians @ Olympics and hope they will make us proud and wish them ALL THE VERY BEST.
In the end just wanna reiterate what Juno has written:
“To hear India’s National Anthem being played while the tricolor unfurls on Chinese soil would be the sweetest of all glory every Indian wishes for.” I am really looking fwd to that.
This is an excellent article… i completely agree with the author .
I think instead of blaming the politicians and govt officials, we shud see what we have done for the society. Blaming another person is very easy, but to take a responsibility and move forward to succeed is the true challenge, and i think the 57 athletes are doing that. I wish all luck for them, and pray to almighty that they shud be achieve their goals.
Hey dood, I am an Indian and to think that you hate cricket is sad. Other than that, hockey mens and womens, we have always been good at. The media loves cricket because it sells, when was the last time you asked your best mate who won the athletics or swimming or hockey match? Goes to show its a lack of public interest, government is just as much to be blamed obviously, we dont have the facilities or the money to support any other sport except cricket. Good to see BCCI cares about the olympics, until the olympics include T20 or some similar form of the cricket game, Indians will never really care much for the Olympic athletes. I dont care much for the athletics myself. I love tennis and hocket, sania mirza and leander peas do me proud but they never win. They are usually the losers who loose during the quarter finals. Hockey team wins usually but they failed us this time. Its about time someone gave a crap about the Indian Olympics but at the same time, I am indifferent to it.
[...] [...]
[...] India in 2008 Beijing Olympics [...]
[...] here “Team India and its Perils, Hopes and Dreams”. Nice [...]
I don’t think INDIA’s got any real chance of getting even a single gold medal. The women’s shooters in 10m have already chrashed out. [All talk and no performance ] In another few days most of the indian participants will crash-out. Its only a matter of time….
I think we have to start selecting and train them,who are 8-10 years old for 2020 olympics ….may be we have a chance there.
1 billion people with a hand full of olympics medals starting from 1928. Look at Michael Phelps of USA…he’s going for 8 gold medals. If you calculate the medals won by him in the previous olympics and the medals he is going to win in this olympic and compare it for India’s medal tally from 1928. He probably will get more….how pathetic is that for INDIA. A single individual who’s got more gold medals than the whole of Indian medal tally.
INDIA : THEORY =100 % PRACTICALS = 0 %
HOW PATHETIC IS THAT !!!!
I hope we kick SAI’s ass for killing sports in India……..
I hope we kick SAI’s ass for killing sports in India……..
JAI HIND !!!
guys see this for the updates on results
http://www.iwebie.com/indian-team-results-at-beijing-olympics-2008
well wat can i say abt dis ? only dat dis is best.
good work to keep track of things.. keep it up.. I am extremely worried about the facts & figures of the medals tally & India’s position..as a developing country (& ppl in poverty)we have so many problems to deal with before we could show something to world…the irony is that the exploitation by politicians…and the hypocritic media..pls think for a moment abt TV channels (such as IBN-CNN, NDTV etc).. there are debates on hosting olympics…MOST SHAMEFUL THING for us..hateful tone & language by the TV hosts…not only in this matter, but anything and everything, Indian Media makes a big fuss for the heck of ratings & bring forth nothing..responsible media is very important for growth of the country… which is a BIG negetive in India…sometimes we hear the names of Child wonders, like Budhia singh (marathon runner), Kutraleeswaran (marathon swimmer, he swam 30-60KMs in sea).. but no one knows their plight…look at the fate of hockey team, which produced world record in winning most number of Olympic Gold..well we can keep on going on this topic… LETS PRAY & HOPE to get medals, As Indian citizians lets try to improve our country in every deed of ours, lets live with Self-esteem & respect & hope that we get atleast 10 medals in each category G,S,B during 2020…FAME does’nt come by SHOWING but by DOING, ..so lets not talk about hosting olympics…but talk abt winning medals….JAI HIND
Neil:
You’re a fucking idiot.
Neil said:
“Let’s face facts..as a race we’d prefer to do integral calculus than go ‘yacht racing’ or ’shot putting’ and I see noting wrong with it.”
Speak for yourself, buddy.
ummm
does any 1 think that the indian swimmers have a chance?
umm
kulari94 no offence but it yor’re a fuckin idiot not fucking idiot. lol
I think we have to introduce
1.Chess
2.kabaddi
3.Carrom
4.Cricket
5.Goli [marble's]
6.Gilli dandel
and a few other Indian Games at the next Olympics in 2012…..
I think we have a chance of winning the Gold medal in these games….Think about it….
JAI HIND !!!
it is a pitty that with imense pool of manpower resource of more than 100 crores we can not even win some medal may be of tin, iron, wood in olympics,
i think it is a better way if we start supplying sportperson on contract to other countries , i m sure they will be winning medals for other countries in tons and tons
In continuation to my earlier message it is surprising that Sania’s Mirza Mom is also travelling as part of the 99 delegates.
Is she going to be the ball-boy for Sania mirza ? maybe we will be good at picking the tennis balls rather than playing the sport.
Bobby
I’m a Canadian (NRI or whatever you want to call it) and I think that it’s really pathetic that out of 1 billion people India is only sending 57 athletes. Obviously there must be Indians that have the talent to compete at the Olympics, but that’s not problem. When India becomes less corrupt then maybe they will have more money to spend on its infrastructure and then athletes. Even though India’s economy is doing fairly well it’s not going to get rid of corruption. The rich will get richer and the poor will stay poor. All those talented people in India will never get a chance to show the world what they can do until the country becomes less corrupt. Everywhere in India you find people trying to rip you off and nobody follows any laws, especially the police. You would never find that level of corruption in Canada, the US, or any western country. Yes there is obviously corruption still here, but nowhere near the level in India. Get rid of corruption, then focus on sports.
And as for the topic of religion in India, Indians have to realize that the rest of the world doesn’t care about whether an Indian is Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, or Christian, they just see them as “Indian”.
The only reason that got me here is because I’ve been searching for anything that has information on the Indian hopefuls from an Indian’s perspective.I would normally not react to the various comments but some have gone too far in their assumptions and my fingers itched to set them right.I’m in Abu Dhabi, UAE.Infact I was born here. And while I had a sense of pride when I saw the UAE national Flag, Nothing can measure up to what I felt when I watched the Indian Contingent including our Officials who I know probably do not deserve to be in that group. I am tempted to say that the blame game is the easiest to play but at the same time if we keep our eyes open, we will see that some amount of accountability lays with us, the media and the government as well. Why do I say this? Because I saw at least one Olympic team that had Indians or People of Indian origin on that team. While I’m not judging their reasons to migrate, it hurts to know that talent that clearly belongs to our country is with another. Which brings me to my next point, we as Indians do not recognise talent till someone else has. This phenomenon is not just limited to sports. All that India seems to do is try and take credit saying ‘OMG, He/She is an Indian…. we are so Proud’ when in all likelihood we probably heard about the acheiving individual AFTER they achieved whatever they had to…… which is unfair because no one was around to nurture the talent when the person needed it. Hypocritical? Most Assuredly
As far as cricket goes, as much as I DON’T enjoy the sport, its’ a little tiring to hear about how cricket is the bane of all other Indian sports. Firstly, I think its amazing how our “INDIAN” Players have proved themselves at a NON INDIAN Sport. So claiming that cricket is an English sport and hence we are still enslaved is a tad too stupid. Because all Sporting/Gaming Events are higher than the boundaries that are present. If we have to play only “Indian” Games then our sporting culture becomes skewed than it already is. Also if we have slavish tendencies towards Cricket, then its because we allow a sport/game to take precedence and we are to blame for ignoring the other Sports/Games. Its because we allow ourselves to become slaves….. Its not like cricket bopped you over the head and forced you to become slaves to it…….
As far as Media is concerned, well they’re not in it for charity. They’re in it for the money that comes in the propaganda…..in “whats selling now’ phenomenon. If you want the media to take interest in non cricket sports, YOU Take Interest in them FIRST.
I’m extremely proud of our team yes even those who played dirty to be part of that team. Because tomorrow they could be a reason we get a medal. Do we need better facilities? Yes, we do. Do we need a better Team? Yes, we do. But that does not mean that we let the current team down by not believing in them. 57 Indians are out there competing and they dont even have collective Indian support and well wishes…. We are just busy arguing and complaining and all that negative energy is sent towards them. No wonder the pressure that builds reaches unbearable levels. Inspite of qualifying to be there in the first place, they still have to prove themselves to their countrymen first that they are good enough….. If the country doesnt believe in them, why should any other nation? why should they believe in themselves when people at home are already doubtful?
For the Somalians, inspite of the war ridden situation they are currently in, seeing the Somalian flag, instilled pride and hope in the hearts of many. They are not even hoping for a medal. Everyone in Mogadishu even the radicals are with the 10 participants in their hearts and souls. They take pride in the fact that they can participate.
And that, is the true Essence of sporting events like the Olympics.
Nicely composed article. Seeing that there are lots of replies to it. Being a sports fanatic myself,its pretty sad that the state of Indian Sports is in a very very poor condition.
Imagine the game we call as our National Game and we are not playing it in the Olympics!!!!.
There are stories galore about the poor condition of other sports in India except, of course, Cricket.
Many people are blaming the popularity of Cricket for the decline of other sports. There is an old saying which goes ” you can never make the poor rich by making the rich poorer”. Cricket has been professionally managed by BCCI which wil put big corporates to shame.
I can bet that any true blooded Indian Sports Fan will support Saina Nehwal/Pankaj Advani with the same zeal as Sachin Tendulkar/ Dhoni. But the problem lies in the fact that Cricket is very well managed whereas others aren’t. I agree that even the Govt is biased towards Cricket a bit, but we have to agree that its not impossible in case of other Sports.
With Proper planning,vision ….the right people at the right place, and support from the People who matter, I think that nothing is impossible.
I will never agree that our country hasnt got the talent ..its literally impossible. But they need to be nurtured and taken care of now…if we are to hope to hear the National Anthem playing in the 2020 Olympics..I had heard it when Leander Paes got his Bronze in Atlanta…and I had goosebumps all over my body..
What about you all !!!
basically india thought that why waste so much rupees on buying plane tickets of hockey players haahahahhaaha
ummm what can i say i think sania did not want to buy her mom’s plane ticket
heheheh ahahahahah
Angie and Ryan have written with sense. Other I guess are trying to belittle others and the sports. People like Indian Patriot and Bobby seem to be hopelessly out of touch with the way world of sports works.
On the first day of the Olympics, the Czech Republic’s Katerina Emmons won the first gold medal of the Beijing Olympics. Her husband, a US shooter Matt Emmons was there to greet her, as did her father. After she created the world and Olympic record, she kissed her husband and hugged her father. Is father her coach? No. Is he part of the contingent? Yes. Why then? Beacuse for Katerina and many others, to be focused and feel comfortable they want people around whom they can depend on.
So when Sania wants her mother, with whom she travels across the world 32-40 weeks in a year, do you really think that some godforsaken SAI coach could replace her mom just for Olympics. It doesn’t work like this. Try and put yourself in her shoes and then think. This “truth of sania mirza mom” maybe saying the right thing but in Olympics it doesn’t work like this. Do you this she had no money to spend on her mom’s tickets and stay for Olympics? No.
Unless her mom or anyone else is part of the contingent, he or she cannot stay in the Olympic village where Sania would naturally be staying. He or she cannot be in the players area when the match is on or in the dressing room to be at hand during breaks.
Do’n criticize for the sake of it. First we crib about why India is not winning medals and talk about number of officials vis-a-vis athletes. Check any other country, US contingent is some 590 plus, how many officials are their with them? Probably 1000 plus.
Then Mr Indian Patriot do you think any sports could be introduced at our will? IOC has streatlined its procedure long back and the upper limit is 28 sports. In 2012 there will be only 26 as baseball and softball have been removed due of less countries participating in it. In 2016, for which vote will happen on 2009 to include two sports. Maybe baseball and softball can re-enter or may be golf, or just one. It all depends on the voting by 203-member countries.
Even in a case India is hosting Olympics, we cannot introduce any sports. We will be conducting the Games under the aegis of IOC as does all other coutries do.
Yes, kabaddi and gulli and other sports can be demonstration sports. There will be no medals given for that.
i hope we will win at least 2 or 3 medals this year. But India at least try for 2020 to get at least 5 golds. we can start preparing youngster from now and we can get it
n dont do fuckin discrimination be honest while chosing players
Well, it is quite interesting to note that , we are atleast reacting ( even though a handful of us ) to the plight of affairs with Indian sports ( barring Neil that is – you are unreal dude ). My two cents on the matter :
- There is a lack of culture , infrastructure and focus to develop sporting talent from schools – what happened to the ever so popular notion of Catch ‘em Young ??
- Well , as for this olympics , I will be dazed if we come back with even one medal – without meaning to understimate the talented 57 we have chosen to send this year. We are just not driven enough as a nation to rally behind our ambassadors and have no right to blame or criticize these chosen few for a palty showing in Beijing. Let us bear in mind , Taj Mahal becoming a part of the seven wonders is testimony that if the nation with media support decides to rally behind an endeavour – we can create global stir – in my mind – its only a matter of having olympic pride on our national agenda.
- As for 2020 , we I do agree with most, while Delhi is beginning to shine in terms of it infrastructural development , as a nation we are a shame when it comes to our records at olympics and if that holds any bearing on the decisions : we are likely to be the first ones ruled out – unless we decide to focus as of now that is !!
This has been a good forum for each of us venting our beliefs – the irony is – can this mobilise the millions required to shake the IOC and the media to build up for 2012 and 2020 ????
As people are saying, its heartening to even evoke a response on the olympics…
One more problem is we need to put in the brains of all indians that olympics is just not only sport…its prestige and also it shows the world that we have arrived in the superpower stage…
I dont know what kind of moronic governments irrespective of parties one after the other can not think to train young people to compete and win…
We have the SAI and the whole Monika Devi Episode clearly shows how professional they are…
It clearly makes my blood boil that a we 1.1 Billion pray that we get a bronze!! … bloody useless… Cmon u morons, there are millions of kids waiting to play..waiting to show the world our capacity…some bloody guy in a position of power make a plan for 2020 u jerks…
Suresh Kalmadi, the entire brass of IOA etc etc etc should just go home…catch that MODI guy and offer him lots of money he will ensure that we are ready by 2020
Answer – Privatize to Sports Franchisee. In USA Sport has a great business model . The Same model could get pushed into India . If We dont take initiative now , Definitely NBA,NFL and such will seek out and come to India to Extend their Business Model soon . 1 Billion People and with Developing instrastucture of Mobiles and Cable Networks – It is sure shot coming . It’s all a matter of When?.
i hope indias player good opportunity in bijing oly.PLEASE I HAVE & ALSO ALL INDIANS PEOPLE LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT OF HOPES IN BIJINGS OLY.2008 ALL PLAYER MY ALL WISHES IN OLY.
I PROUD INDIANS PLAYER BECAUSE , INDIANS ARE ONLY IN ALL OVER PEOPLE DIFFERENT IN MIND BUT INDIANS ARE ONLY POSITIVE THINKING IN OLY BIJING 2088. B\ hope indias player good opportunity in bijing oly.PLEASE I HAVE & ALSO ALL INDIANS PEOPLE LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT OF HOPES IN BIJINGS OLY.2008 ALL PLAYER MY ALL WISHES IN OLY.
I have been reading the postings, nice to read.
All of a sudden just during the olympics we are expecting medals from our participants and making joke of indian sports. Why make jokes of sports except cricket. Twenty-20 cricket cup won by India, congratulations! What position India bear in cricket? People are mad of cricket. During IPL twenty-20 tournamnet the response of the Indians made a huge profit. We Indians are so fascinated of Cricket, Sachin, Dhoni, than why you want see the outcome of other sports? We were once Olympic champion in Hockey, why did we lose the status? Because the love of cricket ate into the hockey. We only love other sports just at the time of Grand finale, soccer, hockey, volleyball, badminton, tabletennis and all.
Before a grand finale there happen to be a preparation and qualification bid, we do not even succeed qualification bid. That means India want to play final without any preparation.
Gentlemen, the preparation takes time, devotion, will to do or die and of course capital.
Goverment has a lot of money now, but investment for sports has the minimum emphasis, as politicians spend on their constituencies hoping to win the next election. Only blaming the government is not suffice, as every individual Indian has to think and develop the stint to win.
[...] Related Link: Indian Olympic Dream [...]
[...] http://www.iwebie.com/indias-2008-beijing-olympics-dreams [...]
You are not an Indian. Stop commenting on the matters that don’t concern you, and that too in incredibly poor English. Moderator, I think this comment is in poor taste and should be removed.
The above comment is in reply to comment of Jashan Singh.
Nice one! Its very emotional to see the indian flag above Chinas flag and the national anthem in the backgroung.
Nice post!!
To hear India’s National Anthem being played while the tricolor unfurls on Chinese soil would be the sweetest of all glory every Indian wishes for!!!
We hoped for it and today we got it!
Hey, this is a nice blog and the comments n the war of words quite amusing. I guess, winning a medal in olympics or any sporting event depends on a lot of social factors. Who would be willing to stake his career to earn a medal n be forgotten after… Earning money is a difficult thing in india when u compare wid US (I donno abt russia n china). Even if somebody is injured during a game, we dont hav sufficient medical facilities and even if it is thr it is expensive. Sponsors are always ready to come fwd when a particular player or team performs well. It is only a matter of consistent performance. Hope 2008 wud be a turning point and put India into the medal hunt for the yrs to come. Jai Hind
BEST OF LUCK INDIA
Jashan Singh: “I am proud that the traitors like you have left the country. So we are getting improved results in Olympic medals.
”
I will suggest you to drive taxi or sell Samosas or Lassi and be proud to be a NRI. At least you earn in Pounds.
Yes, I agree with the author, that sports need infrastructure and more important awareness. Good news, considering development of India and BRIC nations, I am sure we have lot to offer by 2020.
I don’t think Sikhs ever had minority problem in India.Our PM is also a Sikh.And someone who is not born or brought up in India should not comment. Please F.O.
I regret that many times Muslims/Christians have to face it.It’s human nature.And it is shameful.
By the way,how many NRI Indian(I don’t care their religion,I am not racist) were part of UK’s football team? How many have won Olympic medals?
Considering responses and people’s involvement , if we as parents help our child to take whichever carrier path he/she wants…We will have lot of medals soon.
EAST OR WEST,,,,,,>>>>>>>>
” INDIA IS THE BEST “
COME ON INDIA DIKHA DO,,,,,,,,,>>>>>>>>>.
KI HAME SIRF JEETNA AATA HAI,,,,>>>>>>>>>>>.
HAAR KISE KEHETE HAI HAME NAHI PATA.,,,,,>>>>>.
lots of comments..
could not get time to read all. ….
what i feel is.. .!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hope for best..
and find out what we (as indivdual) doing for that…
Juno and all those positive minded sports lovers. Let us congratulate each other for the fantastic gold medal win by rifle shooter Abhinav Bindra.
I wrote a article for tomorrow’s paper, but I thought the descerning readers of the blog who may not have access to my paper also read it.
Here is goes:
Fantastic Bindra wins a billion smiles
In his third Olympics, Abhinav wins air rifle gold
Kirti Patil
sports@sakaaltimes.com
ABHINAV Bindra was a kid in 2000 Sydney Olympics. At 17, the 10m air rifle shooter had just taken off the blocks. Eight years later, Bindra became a golden man by firing India’s first individual Olympic gold medal with a stupendous score of 700.5 in Beijing on Monday.
With three 100s, two 99s and a 98, Bindra cruised into the 10m air rifle eight-man final as the fourth-placed shooter. His score of 596 was two less than the leader, Finn Henri Hakkinen (598) and one below Chinese Zhu Qinan, the defending champion and Olympic record holder. Though Bindra put himself in the reckoning for a medal, but then he was in the same position in Athens also, when he broke Olympic record to steer to the top after the qualification rounds.
In Beijing though, Bindra had a back-up – of his determination and four-years of practice away from home and media glare. More than anyone, it was a victory for Gaby Buehlmann, the Swiss former world champion.
Gaby had been like a mother and coach to Bindra ever since he decided to take decisions for himself. She gave her unhindered attention to shape up Bindra for the challenges that come up on a stage such as Olympic Games.
And Bindra reflected it all in the final shootout at the Beijing Olympic Range. His final score of 104.5 silenced all his critics who had questioned giving him wildcard in Sydney and his ways in skipping all the national events. Many shooters have scored more in the final, but what set Bindra apart was his remarkable series of ten 10s.
For the uninitiated, in a shooting final scores are measured using a custom-made scale basically to identify the distance of the bullet from the bulls-eye. And, Bindra fired a series starting with 10.7 and ending with 10.8 to tally 104.5. In between he shot 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.5, 10.5, 10.6, 10.0 and 10.2. Others watching the rifle ace were stunned and amazed by such a consistency. But Gaby was calm and composed. Naturally, after winning the gold, Bindra hugged his mentor as he only knew what she had put in to realize this dream.
In the end, the difference between the gold and silver was a mere 0.8 points. That is the fact of shooting, which separates those with steely nerves and the wobbly ones. Despite being a point up, Zhu Qinan (597, 102.7) was subdued by an over impressive Bindra. Leader Hakkinen (699.4) managed 101.4 in the final and just about managed to secure his position on the podium – missing the silver by a mere 0.3 points.
For Bindra’s gold, August 11 will be remembered for a very long time, especially in a country where an Olympic medal comes far and between. But while celebrating the feat let us not forget Gagan Narang, who almost made it to the final with 595 – losing out on the eighth place on the count-back. There were five shooters with 595 score, but Narang’s 98 in the fifth qualification round halted his progress into the final.
Otherwise, who knows how the podium would have looked.
@patil
cool scene man…nice informed article
@patil- completely echo you on the enthusiasm! To watch the Indian flag being hoisted and everyone standing to honour India’s National Anthem was simply superb! It is one of those moments India is gonna talk for ever!
And what treat!What a treat for sports lovers!
And thanks for your article. Its very informative. You have really captured the mood and spirit of everyone here!
The article is very nice n well scripted. the comments are also good.
Well it is a fact that BCCI is the richest board in the world and most successful when compared to rest of sporting federations of India. Wat i feel is Government of India can make it to dedicate 25 % of their earnings to rest of the federations for development. They r filthy rich n this will be jus like a sccratch when compared to the earnings. And rest of sports can benefit from this. Instead of playin a blame game between superiority of Cricket or Olympics sports , itz better if there is some mutual help among the federations. And We wanna be champs in everythin which includes Cricket, Shooting, n all Sports. that shd be our dream.
Latest results from Day-4 at 9:22a.m(IST)
Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore at Rank 16 out of 19 after 2series.
Men’s 50m Pistol-Samresh Jung Finishing 42nd out of 45 at the Qualifying stage.
Archery:DEVI Laishram Bombayla losing to Poland with a score of 101-103
@skc.
Check out the Results page
http://www.iwebie.com/indian-team-results-at-beijing-olympics-2008
here u will find results updated periodically and also the schedule…
And guys, great to see so much enthusiasm, when we started the Olympics section we never expected so much response…but we have been proved wrong ..great going
@sKC
Hey see out Indian team results page where we periodically update our results page..
and all guys thanks for the great repsonses and showing that we still care about the others(non-cricketers) who represent India
well i just want to say dat i am a indian that is living in australia, so dont think that iam not an indian
anyways all i care about is that indian WON a gold medal. YHHHHH!
I MEAN INDIA LOL. AND THEY WON TI AFTER 28 YEARS
hey
this is a nice blog…i would like to point out one thing on the results page…Pranita Vardhineni lost to Un Sil Kwon of Korea in the second round (round of 16) while you have mentioned that as the first round…she actually won the first round against Waller Jane of Australia 106-100…Please make that change…heres the official olympics site showing this.
http://results.beijing2008.cn/WRM/ENG/INF/AR/C75A/ARW070000.shtml#ARW070610
@vikram..
U are correct..thanks forthe update…it slipped our attention
Now only hopes for another medal is
Tennis – Paes/mahesh
Long jump – anju bobby
TT -Sharath
Boxing – Akhil , jitender
Let us see
Latest update :- Aug 13th 10.30 am
Dont you think that Saina Nehwal is the player of the future who can win gold for us.She is only 18 and has qualified for the quarter final in the Olympic.I have some knowledge about badminton and I think she is a world class talent.
Indian Govt have to form a New Sports committee and have to put more effort, providing infrastructure , Elegant Coches and support for sports man/woman
Have to form separate committee for TT, Boxing , shooting , atlethics, Badminton .. Pick the Top 10 players from country , Train them in modern way ( if need send them to aboard for training, need to support for 4-5 years ..
then Surely india will Claim more than 15-20 Medals ..
No Politics should involve to form Sports committee
Yes, Surely Saina Nehwal will win medals in forthcoming Competitions ..
now she is young, gaining exp and learning things..
this olympics is good exposure for her .
@vimal
u think sharath has a chance in TT? i dont think so…and anju bobby george has to beat her personal best by a long way to win a medal in beijing..
the boxers and the tennis doubles are our only hope…
@ Debargha : Thoroughly agree to what you have said. Saina has a lot of potentail and I am sur we can expect great things from her. AFter all she is just 18.
@ Vimal: yes Sports should be totally separated from Politics. Look at the Praksh Padukone badminton centre. These sorts of organisations have definitely helped nurture young talent in India. We need more of those.
Thebest news is that the Indian Govt is now finally taking some interest in sports (besides cricket). The idea is to establish club level competetion , starting right at the Panchayat level and moving upwards. The idea is that these clubs will locate and develop hidden talent. Initially this will be limited to team events such as hockey, foootball, ect but will later be extended to individual competitions too.
Hope this initiative goes a long way and when we finally host the Olypics,we put up a splendid performance as Hosts and as a Sporting Nation
Been reading all the comments here… I am so glad to see people discuss other sports besides cricket… I just hope Bindra continues to excell after returning to India. I don’t wish to see him endorse complain/bournvita/shoes or anything on Earth. I am not a sports person myself but like any other patriot, love it everytime my country does well… congratulations to Abhinav Bindra. We are grateful to you for bringing glory to our great nation.
@ Kirti… Great articles
@Juno…great forum
I am sure India is on a path to glory and this article simply tries to tarnish the image of this great country and its people. Sure there are negatives, sure there corrupt officials that want a free ride to Beijing but true sportsmen rise above the rest. Some wanna just write about how we do bad and folks from other countries swim above the rest but thats not the point. Sports are about attempts, its just that people acknowledge them when they have won. Edison had 2000 failures before the first spark lit up this world.
If you cant cut it yourself, then shut up and stop writing about it.
We rule!
@Cruiser
I felt its a good blog and reinforces the need for greater involvement of the government in indian sport..
u are just harping on false prestige…sport is not only about attempt..not atleast at the olympic level…
anyways nice coverage of the Olympics with an indian perspective
@Ganesh – Sports is all about individuality. Its all about beating yourself and not others. Your best competitor is you.
If you run against others you will always win, run against yourself and you will never win and thats what will keep you going.
Firstly Thanks for such a wonderful & periodic coverage. My humble request is instead of accusing politicians or any other person let us all contribute for the uplift of SPORTS in INDIA. There are various organisations which are lagging funds but not dedication and enthusiasm. Take for example”The USHA school of Athletics” by the former olympiad PT Usha.It is working towards the noble cause of creating Medal Winning Athletes for India. Pls visit ww.ptusha.com We can find what we can do. We can help or support individuals who are working hard for the betterment of sports in India.
I have read the all the comment and I have to say that I was a bit disappointed on some of the comments. I personally think that India can be one of the top countries if only the government wants it to be. I think the government need to support some of the young player that has been not recognized because you never know they might be the future of India. I live in Australia and I play soccer. Here they give us a full chance and I think Indian government needs to do the same. They need to support sports other than cricket and introduce some of the sports that Indian players are good at.
Even though I live in Australia I am still a true Indian and hope to see India succeed. They are doing really well in the Olympics.
Goooooooooo India
Thanks a lot Indian lass for reading and appreciating my articles. Cruiser and Ganesh you both are in a way correct in your thinking. There are no one set of rule which will transform our sports overnight or in a long time. It is in our culture that we will have to change in gradually. Look at Abhinav Bindra. It was his family and especially his father who decided that his son should do something in sports. Money was no problem with him. That, however, does not mean that poor people can not excell. In US all those who win medals are not from rich background. They eventually make money is a different matter al together.
By the way Ramya, your suggestion is good but is it workable. I hope you remember Usha received a big donation from abroad in 2006 and despite getting clearance from required authorities that it was her school which had received the funds, she was pulled into FERA violation rules. If you have such rules in this country it is difficult to progress.
It will take time to change the mindset but it has to be done at the earliest.
Not all our politicians are bad, but then most awake only when there is something to cheer about. Like Bindra. Now everyone is trying to give him money and awards. He doesn’t need it. He is super rich anyway. Indian Government is giving him 30 lakh, Punjab is giving him Rs crore and the like goes on. How much his father giving him? He is presenting him a hotel worth Rs. 200 crore. So for him all the money means nothing.
To end it, best one can do is put our kids into some sport or other, preferably Olympic and Asian Games disciplines and let the child grow. If he or she likes it that is fine. Provide for more training and all, but don’t expect that every child can become a medallist. Hopes are fine but one should raise expectations only when you see some spark in the performance and with consistancy. China has a population more than us or any country in the world. They are winning medals by the dozen, but they are also getting beaten in many areas.
I have seen parents pushing their wards to such an extent that it becomes a torture. And once they fail to achieve something in sport then studies is what parents want them to do. Sports gets totallycut off. That is not the way.
Jassi,
Do you think Indian government doesn’t want India to excel in sports. No. It is that they don’t have resources to cater to such a huge population.
Then again, Indian Government doesn’t support cricket in any monetary way. Forget the cash awards that are give. BCCI does not take any money from government, what it takes is only written permission to travel abroad when the team is to go for foreign tours.
kiriti patil
yes you are right abot the population but we are forgeting one thing the Politics.people are getting so selfish these days it all politic.even in sports
guys read this analysis based on population and also the US vs.china race
http://www.iwebie.com/china-vs-usa-the-olympic-medal-race-begins
Who do you think has the best chance of winning gold among the 3 boxers who are in the quarters??.My bet is on Vijender kumar….He looked most impressive in his bout……..My best wishes with all of them.I hope all of them win gold…and make our country proud……Neway as a character I like Akhil Kumar……I watched his interview where he said,”sapne wo nehi nehi hai jo ham sote waqt dekhte hai,sapne wo hote hai jo hame sone nehi dete “…….So I have my fingers crossed and have full faith on these brave young men who can make our country proud…..bye
ya i also feel vijender is the best bet for gold…but akhil is very confident and boxing is a type of sport where confidence matters a lot..
i hope atleast 2 win medals and one of them a gold
1 individual Olympic gold medal out of 1.2 billion lowlifes? India is hopeless. Dream on.
??????? ???? ?? ?????? ?? ?? ????? ???? ??? ? ??, ?? ?? ??? ?? ???? ??, ??????? ???? ??? ? ?? ??? ??????????? ???? ??? ????? ??? (translation: There are only two ways to live life: Tolerate things the way they are… Or, take responsibility to change them)
Jashan — dude get rid of dirty mind set, i am sikh & sports freak, I do get selected in state team because of my talent not because of my religion, thats problem with indians , religion & reginolism prevails over every thing , people are happy in punjab just because Abhinav is punjabi, Akhil , Vijender & Jitender have not yet won medal haryana govt has declared 25 lakh each, & have started projecting as symbols of haryanvi pride, why not prize for other sportsmen too,Lee * hesh too reach quarters, so did saina, wht abt abhinav, this regionism has always plagued indian sport, considering we have no infra, no systematic approach, No desire , & too obssesed with cricket, atleast with all these constraints can we afford to be thinking on such lines, long way to go, we must revive sports like hockey & wrestling first where we were good ,& build on recent success in shooting & tennis , once we do become regular medal winnere at these sports we can then think of other sports, progress has to be step by step & Lets not blame cricket infact cricket is equaly popular in AUS< NZL & carribean countries look at their performance in other sports ,all will win more medal We are huge country their is place for every sport & unfortunately we h illusion tht we are best in cricket , we r not even in best in Asia so we need to improve their too
Last Hope for Medals
Boxing –>Akhil ,Vijender & Jitender
TT–> Sharath
Long Jump–> Anju
18-Aug-2008/ 10.00am
Anju Loses..
Medal hopes still alive
Boxing guys -Vijender & Jitender.. Save india with a medal..
All the best !!!
The problem is accountability. At work, if a job is not done we are kicked out of the company. All sports associations in India should be scrapped and new young dynamic administrators(past sportpersons) should be picked. The old ones are honorary members and are not accountable. Make the new ones accountable. If no progress is made sack them. When you are chased by dogs you run for life. We need to have a situation like that for the sports administrators. Not one where they barely come to work and yet get paid. The same should go to the sports ministers too. People need to protest with the ministers when progress is not made. Not just sit resigned to fate. Its in OUR hands and not anyone elses.
Sportslovers, I was busy with Olympics myself so my postings were delayed. Actually I wanted to write after a few bloggers suggested medals for Sharath Kamal and Anju. Now that both have lost it doesn’t make a sense to say that I knew it. Still, Anju never had a chance, injury or no injury. Does it make sense that an athlete of international repute fouls three jumps to get disqualified. If there was an injury she would jump shorter, why foul jumps.
Frankly, I get a feeling that it was deliberate to get out and save from the ignominy of letting the expectants, like us, know how much she can jump, at this age. She is past her prime and should retire gracefully rather than being hounded out.
As for Sharath Kamal, India never had a chance in TT. Not in next 20 or 25 years, unless we import some Chinese and let them represent us. Just like the Austrian Chen Weixing, one of the many Chinese imports playing for various countries.
Lets see what happens today. Vijender should move up, but it looks Jitender had his day. If he can pull it off, nothing like it.
India Wins a Bronze… Updates on Susheel Kumar’s achievement in the offing!!!!
Yippeee!!!!!!!!! We won a bronze medal… congratulations to Sushil Kumar… He has done us proud
Folks! Read about this achievement here:
http://www.iwebie.com/wrestler-sushil-kumar-wins-bronze-at-2008-beijing-olympics
This will be continually updated….
Its a shame really that India being such a big country with so much talent is lacking behind in Olymics. Who is to be blamed!? Of course blaming is one of the best “talents” Indians have got. But face it, no one cares about training their child in sports (except its cricket!) There should be an effort from the government to promote “quality” (who will decide? … oh shit! another loophole) sportsmen from the very beginning.
In india the peoples are not giving preference to the olympic games and players.The most of the indians are having their dream with cricket only.so the remaining games like hockey and foot ball playres are not get motivated.This is the reason for india behind in the olympic….But the indians are having thought that india should win lot of medals……With out any effort how is it possible????????????/
your point of view is correct.But now a days most of the parents are wants to make their childrens as engineer or doctor like that…No one have desire about them to be as a sports man (except some body).We can’t blame anybody….Will you make your childrens for olympic???????????????
a very articulative and well planned out article. But one thing I am perplexed at – Why Indian cricket is whipped for every debaccle in other sports. we need to understand that in spite of all odds the Indian cricket could see the spring only because of some very dedicated officials and one Mr. Sachin Tendulkar who prove to be one god for religion – cricket. If you compare the infrastructure (althought still a lot to be done) with other sports then you can make out the reason for its success.
If you can see the success of T20 then it is because of immaculate planning of BCCI. If people outside BCI are pumping there money in T20 then all credit must go to its administrators. No businessman practically would like to put in there money where in whims & fancies of beauraucrats over rules everything. The BCCI does well (no where near cricket Austrailia) only because of its autonomous status and no goverment interference.
I was aghast to read that the coach of Indain TT team was denied and instead technical director of the fedeation was sent. If any one can explain the logic. Also the coach of Indian boxer was communicating with his lads from India. Sania Mirza being sent despite injuries and Anju bobby george is sent just because of political clout.The shooters couldn’t get the ammo. the list is long and endless
After the invasion of media atleast there is a debate after every 4 years (at the time of olympics) and then it gradually fades as per there relative TRP.
I completely agree that the lack of infrastructure hurts but more than that the mind set of the people in command is responsible for the mess who runs the federations to fulfill there dreams.
[...] “THE FAILURES AND DREAMS OF INDIA AT THE OLYMPICS”. [...]
@Rajneesh-You have really put forth very good points. The article was written exactly when the Indian contingent was announced. Many decisions (mostly regarding the officials) perplexed me and promoted me to write this article.
When i wrote this article, I was also very much tempted (like other media) to blame Indian cricket for the dismal state of Indian Sports.But then, I donot believe one sport can be blamed for the another. In fact in my article I have mentioned the contributions of the BCCI towards the betterment of other sports. However, what I have focused on is the over enthusiasm of India with cricket. Like you have pointed out, the Indian shooters actually went to Beijing without proper ammo. What I question is – what if even a small portion of the ridiculous amounts of money,the Govt and others spent on rewarding the cricketers went into the development of other sports? Cricket is an all time sport and there are many avenues for the cricketers to earn money. What about the others? Atheletics, wrestling, shooting- all these are sports that gain their prime focus only once in 4 years. Why is every state now falling head over heels trying to reward Bindra, Sushil and Vijender? Why did they not take an interest earlier? This what I questioned.
@ALL: To hear India’s National Anthem being played while the tricolor unfurls on Chinese soil would be the sweetest of all glory every Indian wishes for.
When I wrote this article I had no idea that this was one wish that was soon to come true. But then, I soon realised that it was not I alone who was praying for this. Thousands others, perhaps even millions, were hoping for the same, as was soon evident from the response this small article generated. From the suggestions, to the arguments, to the debates that followed the article- I learnt loads and enjoyed every single moment of it.
The last few days have been some of the best times of my life both as a blogger and a Sports lover. The Olympics itself provided all the elements of a perfect drama- from the tears of pride and joy at Abhinav Bindra’s win to the heart break of Saina’s defeat, from the desperate prayers for the boxers to the pleasant surprise of Sushil’s victory- it was a sheer roller-coaster of emotions.
But now the real question arise. What happens to our medalists after the Olympics? Will they soon fade from memory, to be remembered only in a quiz competition or after 4 years, when its time for the next Olympics? Or will they serve as an inspiration to an entire nation to create even better sportsmen?
As India’s 2008 Beijing Olympics Dreams end this is Juno signing off, with mixed feelings of pride and sadness. I am proud and thrilled at India’s performance at this Olympics but sad at the same time because it has come to and end.
Once again the entire team at IWEBIE thank each and everyone of you for your wonderful participation and invaluable comments. It was fantastic to share all our thoughts and emotions. This has been India’s best show at the Olympics so far and lets hope that this is just the beginning!
very nice blog indeed.
very informative esp about sanias mom’s trip to china
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