(S.Ravi Seshu)
Entire India is sobbing in silence due to the pathetic performance of our athletes in Rio in 2016 summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXXI Olympiad, in the first seven days of the 17-day sporting extravaganza.
People like writer Shobhaa De started fretting and fuming over the lacklustre performance of Indian players while some patriots are finding fault with the system. Lot of hate comments are figuring in social media, especially on twitter, some hating athletes and some loving them for dogged determination. India won a maximum of six medals in the last edition of Olympics held in London against 12 medals in the last five Olympics.
Hyderabad-based Badminton player, Gutta Jwala, who paired with Ashwani Ponnappa in doubles and lost in first round, found time to hit back at the haters. Her latest tweet reads: “To all the haters…maybe u should try pursuing sports as career u would know what goes in it!!”
Another top athlete, Abhinav Bhindra, who is coming home empty-handed this time, has also echoed the same in his twitter message: “Wish Indian athletes all the very best. The Olympic Games are no easy business. Don’t expect easy performances and be willing to suffer.”
Sensing the bitterness of defeat among athletes and compatriots, the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, swung into action hours before the India’s Independence Day.
India is phenomenally proud of all our athletes in Rio & their hardwork that got them there. Victory & setbacks are all a part of life.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 13, 2016
Though sounded a bit philosophical, Modi came up with a consoling message: “India is phenomenally proud of all our athletes in Rio & their hardwork that got them there. Victory & setbacks are all a part of life.”
In another message, he called upon those who remained in the fray to do well without carrying the burden of the result. “I urge all athletes who have their games remaining to give their best & play with determination, not get burdened by what the result will be,” he maintained. And, ended his series with the following:
“The endurance, determination & dedication of every Indian athlete who is in Rio makes us very proud. They are India’s pride.”
It is indeed a smart move by the PM’s men, who guessed the gush of anger from sports-loving Indian on the pale performance of our stars in Rio, and set the stage for a defensive.
Sachin Tendulkar thank Modi
In fact, Prime Minister came up with the inspiring three tweets in response to Cricket Legend and Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar’s request to give a pep talk for India’s athletes on August 15.
As PM responded without waiting for his Red Fort address tomorrow, Sachin thanked him through twitter.
“Thank you on behalf of all sportspersons. Your messages are truly inspiring & serve as a boost for our champs!,” Sachin said.
Thank you on behalf of all sportspersons. Your messages are truly inspiring & serve as a boost for our champs! https://t.co/xQaWmxM1oQ
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 14, 2016