Two Faced India

This Olympic as India writes history with Abhinav Bindra’s first and only individual Olympic gold there’s something interesting happening in Beijing. Where Abhinav showed the world that an Indian can win in style, Akhil showed how to loose in style! In these two personalities you can see a new India coming to life. While one is an India which is affluent, rich, unflinching, basking in its corporate glory symbolized by Abhinav. Indian sporting system has no stake in his glory. Abhinav’s father seems to have a big hand in his son’s victory. The wining moments were telecasted again an again for almost two days! There is one thing to note. Nobody can stop this part of India from succeeding. It’s got all that it needs to succeed. No wonder Abhinav didn’t look so amazed that he won, he was happier that the hard work was over.

This Indian’s victory didn’t amaze me as much as the loss of another. Akhil Kumar represents another India, which isn’t as fortunate as Abhinav’s. He represents the rustic, gritty, and fighting India. He had a great journey to Beijing. He’s a fighter to core, not just in the rink but in every aspect of life. Right from fighting to get his South African trainer on board to Beijing, to knocking out the world champion. He wanted to win a medal for his ailing father, suffering from cancer. In his last match Akhil gave it all. The score was tied till the second round. Akhil predominantly has an attacking style, though he couldn’t get through his opponents defences. He took the risk and went all out after him eventually loosing the bout. But there were no cries, sighs or drooping shoulders. Akhil held his head high and congratulated his opponent. He may not have achieved a medal, but he showed the way to two other boxers. He fought with style, guts and pride.