Though fielding of one of the largest contingent for the ongoing Rio Olympics, India’s dream to earn a medal remains elusive. Most of the speculated medal-hopeful have disappointed the countrymen whether it was men’s tennis, women archery or single hull rowing, even the 2008 Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra has bowed out of the medal race.India’s journey in men’s and women hockey does not look smooth. The way things are turning out for India the 23-year old Agartala native Dipa Karmakar broke the jinx in gymnastics by claiming gold in Vaulting Horse. Earlier on 7th August she created history by becoming the first Indian women athlete to get cleared for the finals. India has a contingent of 118 members the largest ever taking part in Olympic Games of which Indian Army is providing the largest representation of athletes from all over the country with Haryana contributing the largest group from north comprising 20 sports persons taking part in games of wrestling, power lifting, hockey, discus and could be largest participation from the Jat land. Besides these some of the medal hopes -Dulee Chand in athletics , Deepa Karmarkar in gymnastics, Dattu Bhokanal in rowing , Deepika Kumari in archery and of course Saina Nehwal in badminton are the example of individual girth to reach the Olympic heights. In the relatively short history of free India, education and work have been the recommended ways to make money and live somewhat happily ever after. Sports has never been the favourite for an average Indian except cricket. For India to win more Olympic medals, this must change. If India has to become a sports heavyweight, it must become a middle class pursuit. Right now, only cricket, acquiring a university degree and work indisputably is. India’s performance in Olympics is very miniscule compared to other democratic countries like USA, Britain. In 2012 London Olympics, India returned with two silver and four bronze medals. Can we do better this time is the question which in coming days would be answered.
