Rio Olympics: Brazilians pray for grand ceremony, Indians hope to start with medal

Rio de  Janeiro: With less than 24 hours to go for the start of 31st Olympic Games, the Brazilians have overcome  the sense of despondency and melancholy and are now fervently praying for the grand success of the opening ceremony of the Games. The locals have suddenly rallied behind the idea that these Olympics are ‘their Games’ and success will be a tremendous advertisement for their country which is going through the economic and political crisis. “A grand opening will give boost to the morale of the people of the country. It will give them a sense of pride and for next 16 days they will be full of nationalistic fervour and that is what Brazil needs,” explained Xavier Correa, who identified himself as a “cynical” analyst. Asked why he is ‘cynical’, he replied, “Well, I am not supporting the Games. The event has consumed over $5 billion of our exchequer. But now the money is gone and Games are all set to open, so why not unite and make efforts for its grand success. Let the people live in a world of dreams, hopes and make believe for a fortnight at least.” On the other hand, Indians are hoping to kick-start their campaign with a medal a day after the opening ceremony. A decade or so ago, any thought of India starting the games with a medal would have been scoffed at  but the situation has turn around dramatically especially after Beijing and London Olympics. Four shooters – two men and two women – Jitu Rai, Gurpreet Singh, Apurvi Chandela and Ayonika Paul (all 10 m Air Rifle) will be in action. The Indian hopes are on Jitu Rai and Apurvi Chandela and according to the experts if these two shooters hold their nerves, India could have the best possible start in their Olympic history. Jitu Rai, who will also take part in 50m Air rifle, is World No. 1 in both the events. He has so far won two gold medals – 2014 CWG (50m), 2014 Asian Games (50 m) – and a bronze – 2014 Asian Games (10m Team). Jitu is in his best form and has the potential to beat any shooter in the world. He just have to steady himself and make sure that he does not get overwhelmed by the grand stage. Other event which will be of considerable interest to Indians is men’s doubles in tennis where Leander Paes, playing his record 7th successive Games, will pair with Rohan Bopanna. With tennis field getting thinner because of spate of withdrawals by top players, the Indian pair have an outside chance of emerging as a dark horse in this competition. The hockey buffs, whose expectations have been raised by PR Sreejesh-led side after a great showing in the Champions Trophy, will hope for Team India to start their campaign with a win. India face Ireland in their first outing. Though, on paper, Sreejesh-led side looks stronger, coach Roelant Oltmans has cautioned against being complacent. According to him, Ireland cannot be taken lightly. “They beat Great Britain to finish third for a bronze in the European Championship after Germany and Belgium. No team can be taken lightly,” the coach added. Also on the show on the first day of the competition (6th August) will be tennis star Sania Mirza and Prarthana Thombare (in women’s double), table tennis players and the weightlifters.