Watching the Indian girls and boys compete in the Paris Olympics 2024, I was struck by this thought : what an extraordinarily difficult task it is to perform at the highest level. Let me compare it to the only skill I know, writing. Imagine that you invite the best writers in the world and ask them to produce work that is worthy of a prize on the spot. I could never do it. That’s why I have great respect for columnists who can produce insightful articles on current events as they develop with a deadline looming over their head. (I can never write on a predetermined topic. I had average grades on essay writing in school. Give me a topic to write about and a deadline and I can guarantee that the article will be a disaster.)
Narrator : You mean to say that normally, your articles are not a disaster?
Me : Touche!
The atheletes work day and night, eat, sleep and breathe for four years with only one goal in mind – the Olympics. They are expected to perform their best at a given moment, and there are no second chances. Even a microsecond or a millimeter can make a huge difference. Unexpected factors may cropup like injuries, not to mention the immensely difficult task of performing under pressure.
Vinesh Phogat had a herculean task in front of her. A wrestling match with World No 1 and defending gold medalist Yui Susaki, who lost only three matches in her entire career. The wrestling world was shocked when Vinesh defeated the world champion. It was heartbreaking to see her getting disqualified over a technicality. As we await the final decision, all of India is with Vinesh, as evidenced by the overwhelming support from all quarters.
Aman Sehrawat fought like a lion in his bronze medal wrestling match against Puerto Rico’s Darian Toi Cruz, to win a convincing 13-5 victory. This is his debut in the Olympics and he is the youngest Indian to win a medal at 21 years and 24 days. He will be aiming for gold at the 2028 Olympics. The internet is abuzz with viral posts about Aman and I share the sentiment – कमाल कर दिया, अमन भाई! 🙏🙏
Neeraj Chopra gave a spendid performance despite his injury to clinch the Silver at Men’s Javelin throw. He was way ahead of his competitors with the exception of Arshad Nadeem. Neeraj’s intentions were clear right from start when he cleared the qualifying round in the first attempt. Neeraj has broken new grounds for Indian atheletics. We are super proud of you, Neeraj Bhai! As Neeraj said, it was Arshad’s day. Great performance by Arshad, who made a new Olympic record. I am sure Neeraj is already planning to break it in 2028!
Manu Bhaker made history when she won two bronze medals in shooting. She missed the third by the narrowest of margins. Her poise and concentration were remarkable, especially in the face of extreme pressure situations. What an amazing performance! Bhaker’s second medal was in the mixed team, with Sarabjot Singh. Sarabjot gave a splendid performance with Bhaker to clinch the Bronze medal. In the men’s section, Swapnil Kusale won a bronze on his debut. Swapnil concentrated on his breathing to remain calm. Interestingly, Manu mentioned the Bhagavad Gita as one of her inspirations. As all Indians know, focusing on the process rather than the outcome is one of the central tenets of the Bhagavad Gita – a perfect recipe for high-octane situations like the Olympics medal events!
If you say ‘the wall’ to an Indian cricket fan, they will immediately know that you are talking about the one and only Rahul Dravid, one of the stalwarts of Indian cricket. Indian fans witnessed another ‘great wall’, in the hockey matches that India played in the Paris Olympics. Sreejesh was unbeatable behind the goal post. There are videos doing rounds about great saves by Sreejesh and each one of them is as breathtaking as the next. As Sreejesh decides to leave hockey, winning the medal meant a whole world to him.
Harmanpreet led the side like a true leader, scoring 10 goals in total, leading by example. He is the leading goal scorer at the Olympics. He was relentless in his persuit, giving his 110% in every match, that inspired other players to do the same. He also made personal sacrifices, missing his daughter’s first birthday. It was amazing to watch the whole team in action, beating strong teams like Australia and England. Semi-finals with Germany was a close match that could have gone either way. Spectacular performances by the whole team.
There is a phrse in English language, “blood, sweat, and tears.” Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “extremely hard work.” Watching the Paris Olympics, I realized that this is one of those rare situations where the phrase can be applied literally. I also realized that I have been using it rather loosely. So from now on, I will use it only in the context of sports, or a situation that involves similar superhuman efforts. It’s a small gesture of respect towards all the sports players who give their 110% in persuit of excellence and are an inspiration to millions.
