London Olympics 2012 – Its all about Medals, honey

August 12, 2012 | Filed under: More Sports News | Posted by: Ekta Pal

Yes, we are desperate for medals. And for that matter, any recognition we can get in this country. And do we need a reason to be so?

A recap of Indian achievements in London Olympics 2012

Sushil Kumar wins Silver in London Olympics 2012 wrestling 66kg Final!

Yogeshwar Dutt wins Olympic Bronze in 60kg freestyle wrestling.

Mary Kom created history by winning India its fourth Olympic medal after a smashing victory in her quarterfinal boxing bout against Maroua Rahali of Tunisia by 15-6 margin in the women’s 51 kg category.

Saina Nehwal won bronze in Badminton Singles on Saturday (August 4). She won against Chinese opponent Wang Xin withdrew following an injury.

Army subedar from Mhow, Vijay Kumar won silver in 25M rapidfire pistol on Friday (August 3).

Gagan Narang won the bronze medal for India in the 10-m air rifle event on Monday (July 30).

Yes, that is in brief the highlights (and the only) achievements in the Olympics this year.

But do I have a right to complain? Do I have a right to say “Oh damn! Indian players are at no par with those of China and other countries!”
Trust me, if all the athletes, players, shooters et al ever catch hold of me, they will make a nice tasty keema out of me and (even the vegetarians) will eat me with relish. Want to know why?

Simply because, all year round, I do nothing for them. I simply cheer for the cricket teams (I say teams because after T20, there is not a single team I can cheer, there are multiple). The numerous companies selling their brands, will only sponsor cricket teams and their accessories, and then, when the time comes, we actually expect medals. Really, ironic.

I would in fact say that it is a miracle that we manage to grab at least these round shiny things we look with awe and wonder!

And then again, I should neither be complaining here, nor get over-the-top praising anything. Sports and recognition for the true players is important. But why do I remember all this only when I have to face the fact that my country is actually not getting any “medals”? Why do I not remember all this when me and my friends pay thousands of rupees to watch the T 20 match in my city stadium?

Should I point out here that our so-called-government is not doing anything to support sportsmen? That they are not building the right infrastructure etc etc?
Well, frankly, I cannot bring myself to say that. Face it. India has a lot more pressing issues at the moment. Our government (who we elect) has too many things to sort out. Sports and Medals are actually the least of their concerns. I am not saying that it is a flimsy topic, but that on a priority list of terrorism, poverty, inflation, ministers, drought, starvation… you get the idea I suppose, where sports and other such matters lie.

So as I turn the pages of the newspaper and see the large photos of the few good men and women who managed to get a medal each, I wonder, is it all about the medals honey?

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