Let the Games Begin

The greatest show on earth begins in less than six days. The grand opening ceremony of the London Olympiad would be telecast live across the globe at 9 pm (BST). I would be fortunate to view it at 11 pm local time since I’m in the middle-east. Most of the other European nations would have a time advantage too, come Friday evening. However, back home in India and the other parts of Asia, the date would be 28^th August; Saturday since it would be well past midnight by the time the show begins. This year’s games would feature more than 10,000 athletes from over 200 nations.

Despite the furore and the negativity surrounding the start of the summer games over safety, security and the capability of the organizing committee to handle and manage thousands of athletes, fans & officials that has been pouring in over the last few days, the games would leave a lasting legacy of sporting excellence and several fond memories.

The famous Olympic torch has already made its way to London a couple of days ago. Defending champion and men’s singles gold medalist from Beijing 2008, Rafael Nadal would not be carrying the Spanish flag this summer since he has pulled out owing to a knee injury. Feliciano Lopez replaces him. One can only sympathize and feel sorry for the great Rafa who would unfortunately miss this rare honor that’s bestowed upon select athletes.

The legendary Roger Federer would be returning to his favorite turf at AELTC to have a shot at the men’s singles gold medal to add to his overflowing showcase of silverware. The indomitable Williams sisters would like to have something around their necks as well. In football, Argentina would be looking for a hat-trick of gold medals.

In athletics, lightning is likely to strike again in the form of Usain Bolt who would face a stiff challenge from Jamaican and country mate Yohan Blake in the 100m. Can Jamaica topple the USA in the sprint events in the men’s and women’s categories? We’ll have to wait and watch. In swimming, the man they call the Baltimore Bullet would have a tough challenge ahead of him in the form of Ryan Lochte. It would be an amazing feat if Micheal Phelps goes on to win 7 gold medals at London 2012. Who can forget his magnificent 8 gold medal haul at Beijing in 2008. In pole vault, the ever green Russian Yelena Isinbayeva would look to win gold again and break another of her own world records.  

As usual, it would be a battle between China & the USA for the top two spots in the medals table. Last time around, it was the Asian giant that topped the medals table winning the highest number of Gold medals four years ago. The Chinese would be dominant in Table Tennis, Gymnastics, and Badminton with these three sporting disciplines fetching them the maximum number of medals. The other countries in the top 10 would be Germany, Australia, Great Britain, Russia & France.

As far as India’s chances are concerned, it is likely to win at least six medals. The main contenders in my opinion are: Saina Nehwal (Badminton), Vijendar Kumar (Boxing), Sushil Kumar & Yogeshwar Dutt (Wrestling), Abhinav Bindra, Gagan Narang & Ranjan Singh Sodhi (Shooting), Mary Kom (Boxing) & Deepika Kumari (Archery). It would be wonderful if we could win some medals in weightlifting, track & field and tennis as well. This Olympics would see the Indian contingent win the most number of medals ever.