Boria Majumdar in Paris
It was around 11am Paris time and Rani Rampal, one of my favourite athletes, called. “Your coverage is fantastic,” she said. Then, we discussed Manu Bhaker for a bit and how many medals India could expect. I reminded Rani of Tokyo and the humongous effort the girls had put in. And the fact that she had given me her jersey after the win against Australia.
Covering an Olympic Games isn’t easy. You have to be ready to do 18-hour days. Be tireless. Also be prepared to face the trolls, who will all come at you saying ‘what the eff are you doing’ when your team doesn’t win medals. Ask an Indian sports journalist, and he or she will tell you the reality. Hours and hours without food, braving the 36-degree (Celsius) heat without air conditioning or, on some occasions, even fans, it is a rough ride. But then, that’s half the fun. It comes every four years, and is an incredible high. When Manu wins a medal, when Satwik hits a smash, when Manika plays a perfect block and when Harmanpreet Singh sounds the board – it all seems worth it. Nothing compares to an Olympic Games and the spectacle that it serves up.
Take Tuesday, for example. The moment we finished celebrating Manu and Sarabjot Singh, it was hockey time. And from hockey, it was a rush to get to badminton in the heat. But then, that’s what drives you. The madness. The passion to see the tricolour flying high. The desire to tell stories, and the keenness to try and make a difference to sport. And once you are into it, there is no leaving.
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As I am filing this story, it is late evening. I am on my way to watch Dhiraj Bommadevara in the archery, and tomorrow morning will again be an early start. But that doesn’t mean we will flag. Not for a day. This is the Olympics, and this is our chance to make sport mainstream in India. And if we are able to do it, Abhinav Bindra saying that the Olympic Games doesn’t come every four years, but every day, will ring true in India.
Let me also say that after a rather barren Monday, it was a decent Tuesday for India except for the Amit Panghal loss. It was a close fight, but Amit did not land too many punches in the third round. It was always going to be a tricky bout and that’s what it turned out to be. The archers started well, and one hopes they will redeem themselves. Most importantly, we have a second medal and the campaign is back on track.
With Satwik-Chirag playing the way they are and with hockey getting better, India can really start to hope in Paris. Hope for their highest-ever medal count at the Games. And that means more running, more sleepless nights and more 18-hour days. But then, that’s what we are here for. The love for sport and to tell stories. For all of you back home. So that you enjoy the Olympics a wee bit more. Keep reading and keep backing our team. For they are here to script tales. And we to document them.
Also Read: Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh fire their way to bronze in mixed-team event