We have entered that phase of the Indian sporting cycle where the Olympics sports are all but forgotten. The qualifying cycle is yet to start. Even the Asian Games are two years aways. Yet, away from the spotlight, those on the Road to LA trudge on!
Here is the some of the goings on in Indian sport, both on and off the field in the past couple of months
Athletics
- Neeraj Chopra: Finished runner-up in the Diamond League despite an injury. And he seems disappointed with his season despite finishing second in all 4 major global events! What an un-Indian characteristic!
- Avinash Sable: A commendable 9th place finish in the 3000m steeplechase.
Hockey
- India win the Men's Asian Champions Trophy for the 5th time, comfortably brushing aside all opponents, proving once again that they are now the undisputed continental superpowers!
- In further development, the Hockey India League is being revived.
- 200+ international goals for Harmanpreet Singh – only two absolute legends Dhyan Chand & Balbir Singh Sr. are ahead
Cricket
- Women: The Indian team failed to qualify for the semi-finals stage of the Women’s T20 World Cup. While there is still a long way to go for LA, this result doesn’t bode too well.
- Men: Racked up a series win over Bangladesh while missing a few first choice players. Also set a few batting records on the way!
Table Tennis: Both Indian teams won Bronze medals at the Asian Championships, a first for the women and a 3rd one for the men. Showing that the recent gains are built on a good base.
Badminton: The replacements need to come up fast, otherwise Indian badminton seems to be on a downward spiral. There are one-off results like Malvika Bansod defeated Olympics Bronze medalist at the China Open but consistent big tournament wins are missing. Anmol Kharb is the one to track though.
The Off-the-field mess
- Tennis: Davis Cup tie against Sweden and its aftermath showcased the mess that the sport is in India. And how all the Grand Slam success has been achieved despite the system.
- Rowing: India misses the Asian Rowing Championships because of Federation’s ongoing court case.
- IOC: Meanwhile there is lots of brouhaha going on within IOC Chairperson and the members. Members walking out of the meeting, P T Usha releasing letters!
- As an example, (not an Olympic sport) but on the day, the Indian teams were winning the Gold at the Chess Olympiad, also came the news that the Chess Federation had lost a rolling trophy won at the previous Olympiad!
Retirements
- Dipa Karmakar has announced her retirement from Gymnastics.
- Rani Rampal hangs up her hockey boots.
Many sports are entering the off-season now. We also await more clarity on the LA events list. Meanwhile, the long march continues away from the spotlight for the various challengers!
Links
- Road To LA: Episode 1
- Neeraj Chopra's Season in numbers
- Olympiad Trophy missing
- Rowing rows
- Dipa Karmakar (ESPN)
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