Tokyo Olympics and India’s winning edge
Tokyo Olympics and India’s winning edge
Proyashi Barua
The biggest win of the recently concluded Olympic edition for our country is that it has indeed translated to some very relatable role models for people across age groups and spread across the socio economic strata.
I must admit that at times I am a little self critical of my unflinching belief that there are silver linings of every cloud. For I do wonder if this optimistic disposition makes me see the world with rose tinted glasses.
So while I am rejoicing at the fact that India has won seven medals at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics, my subconscious mind is contending with the slightly disheartening fact that as a nation we are lagging behind in terms of overall medal tally.
The analysis in terms of ‘why’ we invariably never manage a substantial medal tally shall be adeptly done by the sports authorities and sports commentators. In my individual capacity I can only see some big wins from India’s participation in the Tokyo Olympics.
For starters, it is a ‘no brainer’ that sports tournaments has always had a unifying effect on this nation where heterogeneity reigns.
The euphoria of witnessing the tournaments, particularly the ones in which Indian athletes have demonstrated significant worth has mitigated (albeit temporarily) the perennial woes and worries that the pandemic has been causing in this nation of a billion plus.
As I see it the biggest win of this Olympic edition for our country is that it has translated to some very relatable and inspiring role models for people across age groups and spread across the socio economic strata. Indeed every Indian athlete who had won laurels at previous editions has become a veritable role model, but I daresay that their influence has largely been contained within the tribe of sportspersons and sports enthusiasts.
This time however as the true stories of grit, perseverance and resilience that scripted the win of the individual players who bagged medals in solo and group tournaments emerged almost every second Indian started feeling a little more encouraged to circumvent his/her unique slew of odds, many of which have been hurled by the pandemic.
Indeed the indomitable fighting spirit is what the average Indian is celebrating in the wake of the Olympics, perhaps more than the coveted medals. After all we are contending with an unprecedented virus that is debilitating every aspect of our existence and acutely needed the injection of this belief that comebacks and victories are possible after seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Book written by Proyashi
