London Dreams - India's Medal Hopes
The biggest sporting event in the world is just round the corner. Starting today, for a fortnight we will be witnessing a sporting spectacle. Though London Olympics 2012 have been facing a certain issues like security personnel shortage, strikes in last few days, I hope it does not take the shine off what is considered to be, by many, as the sporting pinnacle.
Sadly, ever since it participated for the first time in 1900, India’s performance have been woeful at the Olympics. We have won just 20 medals, most of which have come in field hockey. Not taking into account Norman Pritchard, whose nationality is still in doubt. India won its first individual Olympic medal in 1952. To put things into perspective, even a small country like Kenya won 24 medals in the last games itself.
Nevertheless, Beijing 2008 was the most successful games for India, with Abhinav Bindra winning the first individual Olympic gold for the country. Vijender Singh and Sushil Kumar won bronze medals in boxing and wrestling respectively to take the individual medals tally to 3. This time round, India has sent a strong 142 men and women contingent for the games. We can hope to at least better the performance of last time.
Here’s taking a look at the medal contenders-
Sania-Leander (tennis)- Despite the fracas surrounding the team selection by AITA, these two remain our best hopes for a medal in tennis. Both of them have been in fine form with Sania winning the French open and Paes reaching the finals of Wimbledon mixed doubles, though with different partners. If these two can put their issues aside, they have a decent shot at winning a medal.
Vijender Singh (boxing)- Since winning the bronze medal during the last games, Vijender has enjoyed a topsy-turvy ride. He became No.1 in the 75 kg category, but could manage just bronze in Commonwealth games, 2010. Since then, a spate of injuries and poor performances have seen his rankings plummet. But on his day, he is very good and will be looking to replicate his 2008 success.
Saina Nehwal (badminton) - Ranked no. 5 in the world, Saina Nehwal is a genuine medal hope for India. That she is considered the most threatening opponent by the Chinese, speaks about her ability. She is peaking at the right time, having won back to back titles in Thailand and Indonesia. With the draw favoring, Saina can create history in badminton at the Games.
MC Mary Kom (boxing) - Thanks to the inclusion of womens boxing in London 2012, the five time world champion finally gets a chance to realize her dream of winning a medal for India at the games. Going by her track record in world championships (5 golds,1 silver in 6 appearances), it will be surprising if she fails to win a medal.
Deepika Kumari (archery) - The young girl from Jharkhand has taken the world by storm and has risen to No.1 ranking in individual recurve category. She won the gold in both individual and team event in the Commonwealth games. She has been performing consistently and the medal is for her to lose in this event.
Sushil Kumar (wrestling) - Beijing games bronze medalist, Sushil Kumar looks like a fine bet to win a medal this time round also. He has since won the gold at the Commonwealth games. Being India’s flag bearer for the Games is surely going to be huge motivation for him. His experience and never say die spirit can spur him to another medal.
Ronjan Sondhi (shooting) - After the bitter disappointment of the 2008 Games, the current world record holder in double trap is again among India’s leading medal hopes. His consistent display over the last 3 years have seen him ranked second in ISSF super 25 list. If he performs to his potentials, the shooter will definitely make the country proud.
Other notable contenders-
1. Bopanna-Bhupati(tennis)
2.Yogeshwar Dutt(wrestling)
3. Jai Bhagwan(boxing)
4.Vikas Gowda,Krishna Poonia(athletics)
5. Abhinav Bindra,Gagan Narang,Manavjeet Sandhu(shooting)
6. Mens hockey
7. Men/Women recurve team(archery)
Besides, some unknown face may rise from the dark and become an overnight hero. This time, there are lot of expectations from this Olympics and every chance that the athlete may live up to them and make it India’s best Olympics ever.