Lakkisetti Praveen , Hyderabad says, Cheers to China By Lakkisetti Praveen Kumar
360° VIEW
Hyderabad, Aug. 24. The Beijing Olympic curtian is ready to close within a couple of days. Beijing has once again proved that the world is not satisfied with the already existing records. Hence, a gallore of records in the sports field were wiped away as the atheletes set new ones and made history. At this point of time, it may be right to thank Beijing ``Bird`s Nest`` for its ever growing spirit, making the motto of the Olympics `faster, higher, stronger` a lived reality today.One thing that came up strongly during the Beijing Olympics was the aspect of `strong sense of sport` manifested by a few nations. America proved its calibre in the swimming pool. South Korea zoomed up in the archery. Jamaica turned out to be the sole master of the track events with the surprsing and scintillating records set of Usan Bolt. Russia maintained its maestro in the gymnastics. Great Britian, Italy, Germany stood strong in their areas of specialization. Pushing away all the rest, China, the host has turned to be in lead in the medals tally.
Thanks to the Indian contingent of 56 members which managed to bag atleast a gold and two bronze medals. This is a postive sign. But, is this all sufficient? Leading in the second place in the world for the highest population, have we Indians done justice? While China has maintained its supremacy by standing in the front row even making America stand still...
What made China to take such a great leap? Its all the hardwork of Chinese besides the best of the facilities available in China. A couple of pictures showed how even small kids are not spared to bend their bodies right from the kindergarten stage. Such is the training. Alongside this, the records say that of the eleven best athletic and sport schools in the world, China has eight of them. That is why, China stands today as a shining example for the Olympic World of today. So, Cheers to China! The `Bird`s Nest` that has gathered the entire world, is proud to see that its own child shining.
Do we (Salesians) have something to learn from this historical event? Surely yes! We are known for our training. But are our efforts bearing fruit? Is the old Salesian legacy of `sports star` a reality today? Or are we too caught up in the corporate fever of forming book worms?
The `Bird`s Nest` Beijing has lot to tell us only if we are open! Thanks and cheers to China!