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In the name of the game
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The action is over but the Olympic torch bearers carry the spirit beyond the event
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Photo: S. Subramanium
High spirits Abhinav Bindra, Sagarika Ghatge, Ayaan Ali Khan, R. Zutshi, Deputy Managing Director, Samsung India, Manavjit Singh and Rajinder Singh Rahelu (on the wheel chair) with the replica of the torch
In all the tension that surrounded the Beijing Olympic torch relay, one could easily have forgotten the unique spirit that buoys up this international sporting event. Yes, a lot happened before the big moment, and well-known personalities like Sachin Tendulkar, Kiran Bedi, Jaspal Rana and Baichung Bhutia decided to stay away from the torch run.
Dream come true
But these hurdles couldn’t deter the relay. And some, like Abhinav Bindra, the first Indian shooter to win a World Championship Gold in Zagreb, Croatia, in 2006, had it all in perspective. “It is a dream come true for me. Being my third Olympics, I believe in its spirit and I am honoured to be a part of it,” he said. Abhinav was part of the torch relay contingent sponsored by Samsung. The others were world shooting champion (2006) Manavjit Singh Sandhu, powerlifter Rajinder Singh Rahelu, athlete P.T. Usha and actress Sagarika Ghatge, better known as Preeti Sabarwal of Chak De! India.
The spirit will not end with the torch run, and will continue to soar till the games, said Abhinav.
“I am looking forward to the Beijing Olympics,” he added. Manavjit echoed the thought. “Not just me, but the whole fraternity is proud to be a part of it. I am sure the same spirit and support will be continued even during the 2012 London games,” he said.
The only actress to participate in the relay, Sagarika felt it her privilege to be among the real sportspersons. “They are the real achievers,” she said.
Her first film helped in bringing attention back to the game of hockey. So was she disappointed that the men’s hockey team missed the bus to Beijing? “Of course not! It’s all in the game. I know how hard I had to work for a film. I am sure the hockey players tried their best.”
Proud moments
Rahelu made India proud by winning the bronze medal in the 2004 Athens Paralympics, and a silver medal at the 2007 Asian Power Lifting Cup.
Moving around in his wheelchair, Rajinder proudly held aloft the Olympic torch. “By carrying the torch I want to bring some attention to our sports. I want everyone to know about what we do,” he asserted.
Paralympics
He agreed there’s not much focus on the Paralympics , but that doesn’t worry him. “Any new sport will take time to become popular. Till some time back, Paralympics was not even recognised in India. But a couple of years back, the Central Government gave it recognition. When I started, people had to participate at their own expense but now we manage to get sponsors,” said Rahelu. Ayaan Ali Khan, who was present at the promotional event and said he was looking forward to being part of the Olympic torch relay, decided to give the run a miss at the eleventh hour.
MANGALA RAMAMOORTHY
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