Of Legends, the Indian Team and Exhibitionism

LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 28: The Olympic Stadium is illuminated during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games on July 28, 2012 in London, England. Athletes, heads of state and dignitaries from around the world have gathered in the Olympic Stadium for the opening ceremony of the 30th Olympiad. London plays host to the 2012 Olympic Games which will see 26 sports contested by 10,500 athletes over 17 days of competition.

That unforgettable Olympic opening ceremony at Beijing ’08 had set a precedent in the realms of aesthetic display of traditional exhibition. And overnight in that festive hour was born in every human a desire to indulge his senses in artistic recreation.

I had done everything beyond me to catch this extravaganza live: fighting my falling eye lids and tradition at home at 1 ‘o’ clock, well past midnight. And after four years of bated anticipation, Britain brought this long sought dream to life, in a magical night of light and sound.

Given the burden of expectation, there was always going to be an added impetus to deliver on Great Britain. And if I am to be impartial, they were fantastic on the night.

It started off as a traditional display of this country’s heritage in sport, ensconced within the lush greenery which covers all of Merry Olde Britain. Unsurprisingly, this green wardrobe was wondrously rolled out, exposing the naked ground with all its modern art after which began a jaw-dropping sequence. From the womb of the earth, amidst cultural incantations and dance were raised gigantic stone towers kissing the roof. A troupe of fire-men formed a chain and kicked off an admirable display of lights that carried on for the next two hours.

A huge ring of fire was artificially lit with lights that went up to join another four simmering rings that came together to form the Olympic symbol: A modern salute to the ancient spirit of the Games

Thereafter we were treated to an unimaginable entry capturing the ageless enthusiasm of Her Majesty – The Queen with James Bond in elite company. The rather long lighting celebrations had a variety of events such as cultural dances, a brief history of the country’s greats, several noted musicians, even as our own distinguished Rowan Atkinson (Mr Bean) stole the show.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 27: British actor Rowan Atkinson in his role as Mr Bean takes part in the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England.

Finally the ceremony was rounded off with the traditional entry of each participant country’s contingent in their vintage costumes.

Undoubtedly, the star of the day was the infamous Madhura Nagendra.

What began with such grandeur ideally set the platform for one of the most memorable Olympics with so many red letter days to reminisce as a follower of sport.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 05: 22 time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps poses for a photo after a press conference presented by Visa at the London Media Centre on August 5, 2012 in London, England.

Michael Phelps scripted his final return to the arena with relatively subdued personal grandeur. But an enigmatic performance saw rise to the summit of the legends. Federer, in search of his elusive dream seemed emotionally strong as he made it to the final as he conjured stirring victories when he stood on the brink of defeat on more than one occasion, rewriting records along the way. But this Olympics shall be remembered for his ‘so near yet so far’ tale given that he’d settle for a silver owing to the humbling defeat at the hands of the host nation’s patriot, Andy Murray.

The host nation, buoyed by its cheering home crowd that had come out in large numbers, raised its level, producing some masterly performances, sitting in a very respectable 3^rd in the rankings behind giants United States and China.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 05: (FREE FOR EDITORIAL USE) Jessica Ennis (L) and Laura Trott of Team GB at the adidas Olympic Media Lounge at Westfield Stratford City on August 5, 2012 in London, England.

India’s show this tour has had its poor moments from the expected quarters though there were few stirring occasions like Saina Nehwal who returned with a bronze medal and loads of experience, standing up to the challenge of the renowned domineering Chinese. That, coupled with Vijay Kumar’s silver, Gagan Narang’s rise to the occasion and iron-hearted lioness Mary Kom‘s bronze scripted one of India’s best tours with four medals at present and optimistically a few more!

Though the more promising players who were burdened by expectations denied us cheers, we can take heart that these young starlets will return bolstered by their yearning for what eluded them this season. I’ve always reiterated, ‘the romance of the unknown is always the most inspiring!’ It should help a long way in raking in more metal in Rio if we groom our buds with the right nutrients for them to flower.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 30: Bronze medallist Gagan Narang of India poses with the bronze medal

So after close to two weeks of watching sport with all its myriad emotions, we are set for the excitement in store for the last week. The Olympics weren’t to be denied their fair share of controversies either. But, it is only error that makes us human, isn’t it?

There’s a lot still to engage a fan of sport, but for people like me, more excited with the grandeur of life’s colors, we have the closing ceremony for one, where the Olympic Flame shall change hands, the baton shall be passed and hope for a greater dream be initiated.

Given the fabulous, picturesque host next time around in eventful Rio and the ever colorful extravaganza of traditional attires and dances, we are in for some mesmerizing displays at the finale. For all the hush and palpable secrecy surrounding their presentation, Samba is inevitably going to be one ingredient that will be served spicy…

Bring it on, Rio!