The Commonwealth Games '18 has been progressing at the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia over the past week. For us, the citizens of India, there's a sea change in listening to the results of the various events and games. India has notched up gold medals that has gone into double digits besides the coveted silver and bronze medals and not a day passes without the news that another medal has fallen into our kitty. What adds to the thrill is that the medals have been won over a wide variety of disciplines viz. shooting, weightlifting, table tennis, track events, badminton and there are many more left in which we're sure to strike gold!
Previously, one would see a well populated Indian contingent marching past in the opening ceremony only to see that no athlete was anywhere near the mark of winning a medal as they fell by the wayside, without a trace, over the fortnight's duration be it at the Asian Games, the Commonwealth Games or the Olympics. Towards the penultimate day, the hockey team fetched a medal provided if we're lucky - that too the gold, initially, which soon gave way to the silver and a couple of bronzes and finally to be left, totally out of the reckoning!
One used to feel that the Indian athletes and sports persons could not match the rigors of international sports and the raw skills of the Americans, the Africans, the Chinese and the others. Our sports medicine, coaching and other efforts seemed to be inadequate to bring about the killer instinct among the members of our contingent along with the medal winning capability! We, also, came to know that the huge contingent that accompanied the sportsmen and women - often inadequately equipped - consisted of bureaucrats, sports officials and politicians who're on a joy ride at our - the taxpayers' - expense. The government didn't seem to mind the dismal performances and the media, too, didn't bother.
And, then, somewhere from the beginning of the first decade of this century, things began to change. The sports persons looked more determined, adequately equipped with the right and the latest equipment together with the right coaches. Above all, they seemed to get more aggressive and acquire the confidence to be at the front line of world class sports. An all round confidence seemed to prevail.
The media set its probing eyes and asked uncomfortable questions to the government and the sports bodies resulting in bringing about a semblance of responsibility coupled with accountability. The result is there for everyone to see.
May India win many more medals in this Commonwealth games.
India has arrived at the world sports arena and there's no looking back! Jai Hind!!
Tailpiece.
Went with Anto - early in the morning - to collect my medical reports from the Mother Hospital, where I'd given my blood and other samples for test, on the 23rd of last month. Armed with them I'd met the medical specialist, who has now put me on a regimen with an advice to meet him after a month. The results show that I'm fit for fighting a war! The ophthalmologist who'd referred me to her brother seemed to be quite relieved when I reported to her about the events. Damn nice of her!!
Previously, one would see a well populated Indian contingent marching past in the opening ceremony only to see that no athlete was anywhere near the mark of winning a medal as they fell by the wayside, without a trace, over the fortnight's duration be it at the Asian Games, the Commonwealth Games or the Olympics. Towards the penultimate day, the hockey team fetched a medal provided if we're lucky - that too the gold, initially, which soon gave way to the silver and a couple of bronzes and finally to be left, totally out of the reckoning!
One used to feel that the Indian athletes and sports persons could not match the rigors of international sports and the raw skills of the Americans, the Africans, the Chinese and the others. Our sports medicine, coaching and other efforts seemed to be inadequate to bring about the killer instinct among the members of our contingent along with the medal winning capability! We, also, came to know that the huge contingent that accompanied the sportsmen and women - often inadequately equipped - consisted of bureaucrats, sports officials and politicians who're on a joy ride at our - the taxpayers' - expense. The government didn't seem to mind the dismal performances and the media, too, didn't bother.
And, then, somewhere from the beginning of the first decade of this century, things began to change. The sports persons looked more determined, adequately equipped with the right and the latest equipment together with the right coaches. Above all, they seemed to get more aggressive and acquire the confidence to be at the front line of world class sports. An all round confidence seemed to prevail.
The media set its probing eyes and asked uncomfortable questions to the government and the sports bodies resulting in bringing about a semblance of responsibility coupled with accountability. The result is there for everyone to see.
May India win many more medals in this Commonwealth games.
India has arrived at the world sports arena and there's no looking back! Jai Hind!!
Tailpiece.
Went with Anto - early in the morning - to collect my medical reports from the Mother Hospital, where I'd given my blood and other samples for test, on the 23rd of last month. Armed with them I'd met the medical specialist, who has now put me on a regimen with an advice to meet him after a month. The results show that I'm fit for fighting a war! The ophthalmologist who'd referred me to her brother seemed to be quite relieved when I reported to her about the events. Damn nice of her!!
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