The Spirit of Olympics

Every four years Olympics graces our homes, lights up our expectations and leaves us with painful memories. The pain of near misses, shattered dreams and unfulfilled ambitions lingers and reignites itself every time a member of the Indian contingent falls at the last hurdle and every time India's performance at the Olympics is discussed. I still remember Dhanraj Pillay's tears when Poland scored a late equalizer in the 2000 Sydney Olympics to nip India's medal chances. In the stinging rain Dhanraj slumped to the ground as though he was appealing to the rain gods for one more chance.

That moment never left me because I could feel Dhanraj's agony and was disconsolate that a team as good as the one we had was returning home empty handed. While the pain is real what's even more real is the respect that each and every contender who has given their heart and soul for the nation deserves. Yes Dipa Karmakar, Satish Sivalingam, Abhinav Bindra, Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna deserve respect. Why only them? Lalita Babar for breaking the National Record and reaching the 3000 meters Final, Vikas Krishan & Manoj Kumar for beating worthy contenders with zero assistance from a non-existent boxing federation and Dutee Chand for fighting a lengthy legal battle just to make it to Olympics deserve our kudos and appreciation.

They say 'History is created by Victors'. Now 'Victors' in that quote refers to not only those who win medals but also those who surmount life's obstacles in pursuit of their dreams. India might not have a medal haul at Olympics which rivals the top nations but it does have innumerable soul stirring stories of contenders who put everything they had at stake to win a medal and make the nation proud. When it comes to these soul stirring stories India might well trump every other country in the world. Come to think of it I have more reasons to be proud rather than to be sad. Indian athletes might not have won medals but have come really close and have given a good account of themselves across a number of different events. Judging by the sheer all round performance this could very well be India's best Olympics to date.

As 2016 Olympics comes to a close, here's a silent pledge I make to myself:

Medal or no medal, I will continue to salute the Olympians from my country.
Medal or no medal, my respect for these Olympians shall not diminish.
Medal or no medal, I shall not allow the dark corners of history to devour the sacrifices of these athletes.
Medal or no medal, my hope for a better tomorrow shall not be put off by the results of today.
Medal or no medal, I know India the cradle of civilization will continue to harvest great talent who will one day leave an indelible mark on the sands of time.
Medal or no medal, I will keep reminding myself that Spirit of Olympics is in the wholehearted performance of athletes and not just in their victories or defeats.

May that Spirit of Olympics keep burning in all of us and inspire us to achieve greater heights.

Until Next Time,

Your Fan of Olympics,
J.J. Chaitanya

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