The Paris Olympics 2024

The 2024 Olympics kicked off in Paris yesterday. Since the greatest show on earth was opening in the greatest, or the most beautiful city on earth, we all expected a great opening. The very idea of an open air ceremony, all over the City of Light sounded wonderful, and justified plonking in front of the TV in the middle of the night. Alas, it was all a letdown. 

To begin with, the weather gods did not cooperate. This was good for the staff at the site. Sundry umbrella holders got their moment in the sun, (well, rain!) in front of an audience of billions world wide. The lighting and mechanics were superb, as might be expected of the French, the same could not be said of the entertainment, perhaps a matter of individual taste. Lady Gaga was reliable, if predictable. The Paris by the Seine had its moments, although our heart goes out to the teams shivering on the bateaux. They couldn't have liked it much. All the same, the boats gliding by the bridges, and the aerial view were pretty and theatrical. The theater, however, was startling, to say the least. We know times have changed, but so much camp is distasteful, most likely to most of the worldwide audience. The lady on the bridge and the new version of the French national anthem made up for it. Sorority? Merci, La belle France! We will remember. Celine Dion is supposed to have closed. Unfortunately, the eyes closed before this, will catch up today. 

Finally, it is all about, faster, higher, stronger! The athletes have spent years training for these two weeks. The triumphs and heartbreaks will hold us all spellbound. Everyone can't win but we can wish everyone their career best. Looking forward to your exploits, hang the medals tally. All the best. 

This blog post is by Neelima Gupte and Sumathi Rao. 

Here is the heartbreak. Vinesh Phogat. 100 gms between her and the Olympic gold. This gutsy girl deserved better luck. The IOA should really do a special case for her silver medal. She's earned it. 

They didn't,  it was sad , although as per rules.  The conspiracy theories are not relevant, but there definitely was unsympathetic consideration of the case. Don't retire Vinesh. There will be another Olympics!

Congratulations to the medal winners. The Indian contingent now reaches Bronze quite reliably. However, the Padukone advice to push harder is well taken. As we heard someone say, the teams now need more sports psychologists. Bindra was right when he said, there is only so much money can do.