Sunday 31 July 2016

Rio on the horizon

And so the blog is back in action ... the selection of the largest-ever Indian contingent to the Rio Olympics was indeed the motivation to wield the pen (err.. Keyboard) again.

The Summer Olympics, under the shadows of Zika and threatened by other peace-shattering events around the world in the recent weeks, will finally kick off on 5th August, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

It has been a great run-up leading to this Olympics for India - many more athletes qualified than ever before. The number stands at 119 Athletes, beating the previous best of 83 in 2012 London Olympics. The athletes participation will be spread across 65 events in 15 sports.

The sports that will have an Indian competitor are :

  • Archery
  • Athletics
  • Badminton
  • Field Hockey
  • Golf
  • Gymnastics
  • Judo
  • Rowing
  • Shooting
  • Swimming
  • Table Tennis
  • Tennis
  • Weightlifting
  • Wrestling
Meanwhile, the anti-doping bodies around the world under the leadership of World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to provide clean games and keep the sanctity of the Olympics. A large number of Russian Athletes have been barred from participating at Rio, following positive tests for banned substances. 

India also has its share, with the high profile case of Wrestler Narsingh Yadav under the lens. A couple of more Athletes have tested positive and will miss the plane to Rio.

On the positive side, India makes a comeback in Gymnastics, with Dipa Karmakar qualifying - a first after 1964 Olympics!! 

At the London Olympics, four years ago, India managed just 6 medals (2 Silver, 4 Bronze)... 
lets hope for a much better showing at Rio 2016...

Go India Go !!

Wishing all the very best to the Indian contingent - may you win many more medals than ever before and show the Indian Sports Strength to the world.