Zor se Bol

16 days of extravaganza, techniques, power, culture and supremacy! China proved the world that they are the new sports super-power. The closing ceremony was equally grand – a perfect display of China’s 5000 old culture nicely blended in the modern techniques. China has impressed the world that when it comes to them they are one of the best in the world.

China led the Gold’s Medal tally by winning a Whopping 51 Gold followed by United States who were far behind in the Gold Medal List at 36 and Great Britain at 24. China’s haul of 51 Gold Medals is one of the largest in the Olympic History and largest since Russia’s 55 Gold Haul at Seoul Olympics in 1988.

If we see China’s performance at the Olympics in last 20 years, they have worked hard to achieve this feat. From 11th Position at 1988 Seoul Olympics to 1st Position in 2008, they have showed the world that they are unstoppable now.

China’s performance at Olympics 1988-2008

The United States on the other hand has been on the top of Gold Medal tally since 1996 and this time they have been toppled by China. However, they can be contented with this fact that they are leading the medals tally at 110, 10 more than China. The United States lost its medal at Boxing, athletics majorly. However whenever 2008 Olympics will be referred Michael Phelps name will be on the top. The US Swimmer broke the record in the swimming by winning 8 Gold Medals. If we look at United States performance in the last 20 years, we see United States growing sporting supremacy from 1996 until 2004.

United States’ performance at Olympics 1988-2008

“Both on the field of play and off, this will go down as one of the greatest performances ever for a United States Olympic Team,” spokesman Darryl Seibel said Sunday

“China has been systematically targeting every single available medal, and we’re going to have to do that in the future,” said U.S. Olympic Committee chairman Peter Ueberroth.

Beijing Olympics also holds the record for maximum number of Nations winning medal – 87 in total. 7 more nations won the medals than in 2004 Sydney Olympics. And its said more than 12 nations won their first medal at the Olympics. Notable Countries who could make any medals are Pakistan, Bangladesh and Philippines.

However from India’s point of view, this Olympics will be remembered and will be referred as the start of the Golden Era in Indian Olympics Sporting Event. Not only India got its first ever Gold in Individual Category in Shooting Event, but new sports also saw emerging sports personality who can bring many more laurels to India. Abhinav Bindra has engraved his name in golden letters by Winning India’s first Individual Gold. Vijender Kumar won bronze medal in Men’s middleweight Boxing Championship and Sushil Kumar winning bronze in Wrestling Event. Other noted players were Akhil Kumar who defeated world champion in the Boxing Event, Jitender Kumar, again in the boxing catgeory, Saina Nehwal stormed into Semis by defeating World Number 4 of the Women’s Badminton Event. They all are winners. It’s just not about making to the medal list but their hard work and dedication showed that they have the WILL to Achieve. And for the first time we saw other sports than cricket bring laurels to India.

The Whole Nation, Media, Government and Sports Authorities did not miss the opportunity of praising their heroes. Indian Government, State Governments started showering prize money in millions. Sporting Committee like BCCI also showered money like anything. However, this should not be the END. We need to bring these heroes in the news constantly. The Sports Ministry should allocate more funds for better infrastructure and facilities. It might be too early for us to say that Team can do very well in London Olympics, but at least we can have more team for Olympics to contend in many more areas. We lack good athletics, swimming and sailing sportsman. These areas should be targeted and world class trainers should be appointed to train them. Yes we can afford them now provided we are the fastest growing economy in the world. When we can afford to spend billions on 20-20 cricket, why not on other sports especially Olympic Sports! Special incentive should be announced for sportsman for Olympic based games. We are tried of hearing 1 billion-population country and only 1 gold. We want to convert into 10s and then 50s. Again read these lines:

“..China has been systematically targeting every single available medal…” We should follow the same tactics. We hope this time the Government, Sports Authority and the Sportsman work very closely and target 2012 London Olympics for at least 5 Gold if not more. And we can do it.

We will keep gathering information as to what Indian Government are doing in this regard and update this blog. If you all have more information, please punch in your news and ideas here. Remember, MERA BHARAT MAHAAN bolne se Mahaan nahin banega, we all need to work towards it! Let’s go to London Olympics with more determination, confidence and MEDAL-WINNING TEAM!