The bitter aftermath of the Paris Olympics has been a significant disappointment… What a shame! The Paris Olympics kicked off with a disappointing start, marred by a less-than-stellar opening ceremony. The event was plagued by grey skies and rain, casting a damp shadow over the grand spectacle. Athletes from around the world floated down the Seine on barges, but the Indian team stood out for all the wrong reasons, clad in ill-fitting, shabby outfits that seemed out of place.
While I appreciated the French for their bold departure from traditional ceremony norms and their creative, if unconventional, approach, including a dramatic reimagining of classic elements, the execution fell flat. What was meant to be a tribute to Dionysian revelry was misunderstood by many, leading to criticism rather than admiration. In the end, what was intended to be an innovative celebration ended up being a Greek tragedy in its own right. At that point, the pot was boiling over, with critics finding faults in every aspect of the event!
Back home, the real Greek tragedy unfolded with a crushing blow: Vinesh Phogat was disqualified at the last moment from competing for gold in the wrestling finals, despite her team’s relentless efforts. The news sent shockwaves through India, leaving fans searching for answers. Rumors and conspiracy theories flourished, with some accusing Vinesh of being sabotaged by her own countrymen due to her clash with Brij Bhushan, a powerful figure in the world of wrestling.
Vinesh, viewed as a modern-day Joan of Arc, quickly became a national hero and martyr. Thankfully, her uncle and coach, Mahavir Phogat, handled the situation with grace and dignity, vowing to prepare her for the next Olympics. His touching promise and Vinesh’s emotional retirement speech, “Kushti won, I lost,” will resonate for years. Despite the missed medal, Vinesh’s legacy as a symbol of courage is cemented in the hearts of millions. The mere 100 grams that altered her fate will be avenged in due course.
The closing ceremony on Sunday might bring more shocks than surprises. With the Games moving to Los Angeles in 2028, the French will have ample time to address the cultural missteps made in Paris. Meanwhile, it’s a critical moment for the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to assess the shortcomings and failures of this year’s Games. India, with its population of 1.4 billion and a pool of talented athletes, only managed to secure a modest five medals.
Despite having access to top-notch training facilities, the lack of a winning mentality is evident. In the past, funding was a significant issue, but that is no longer the case. While I disagree with Prakash Padukone’s criticism of Lakshya Sen’s performance, he raised some valid points about the superior conditions available to today’s athletes. The real problem seems to be inadequate policies, compounded by self-serving officials who occupy cushy positions while athletes toil in the field.
I recall my tweet about “empty hands” and “selfies” during the Rio Olympics, when India struggled to win just two medals with 118 athletes. I faced backlash from those who misinterpreted my criticism as targeting our dedicated athletes, when it was actually directed at the bloated entourage of officials and freeloaders who accompany the team. These individuals seem to treat the Olympics as a paid vacation. It’s time to question their roles and demand better accountability.
From our vantage point in India, it’s all too simple to criticize athletes like Vinesh or Neeraj Chopra, who compete passionately from afar. It’s often those who have never run a single step who are quick to disparage when these athletes fall short. In contrast, the most gracious response comes from Saroj Devi, who praised the gold medal performance of Arshad Nadeem, the son of a Pakistani construction worker, despite his victory over her own son, Neeraj. Her words were a testament to sportsmanship: “Arshad Nadeem is also our child.”
Vinesh has lodged an appeal against her disqualification, requesting that she be awarded the silver medal instead. This seems justifiable given her tremendous effort. We are still awaiting the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) ruling at the time of writing. If the outcome is a silver medal, it will be well-deserved, as Vinesh has poured her heart and soul into her performance.
It’s curious how the dramatic tale of a female wrestler being denied a gold medal overshadowed all other breaking news, even the tragic events in Bangladesh. The meme creators quickly shifted their focus from “Ek Hasina Thi… Ek Diwana” jokes about rallying behind Vinesh, while the live Olympics coverage on Jio Cinema diverted attention from the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. This shift highlights the extent of our engagement with global issues — whether profound or fleeting.
Returning to the situation in Bangladesh… India has consistently struggled to navigate its neighborhood effectively. As we approach Independence Day on August 15, it’s worth critically examining why our relations with neighbouring countries often sour. Bangladeshis harbor mistrust and resentment towards us, despite our shared 4,096-km border. India’s tendency to adopt a Big Bully stance has repeatedly backfired.
While Hasina remains our guest, it will be interesting to see how Muhammad Yunus, a shrewd negotiator, manages future dealings with Delhi, considering our historically cool relations. Yunus is adept at balancing relations with China, the US, and Pakistan, all while maintaining a strategic stance towards India. Moreover, skepticism abounds regarding the narrative that student protests alone could topple Hasina’s government. The severe violence appears to be the work of international agencies aiming to keep the region in turmoil.
Until peace and stability are fully restored, Dhaka and New Delhi should work on establishing a more effective relationship, focusing on meaningful dialogue rather than empty rhetoric. In the meantime, S Jaishankar might consider taking a longer tea break. Allow the 84-year-old Nobel laureate next door to handle his own affairs without interference from a meddlesome Big Brother. This is his country, his people, and his rules.
(The writer can be reached at dipakkurmiglpltd@gmail.com)
