Olympics end

The Olympics carried an important message at a time when the world is passing through a grave crisis, as the shadow of terrorism looms large on the human race as a whole. We have watched how athletes, sportsmen and women from all around the world fought for supremacy in different disciplines in a fiercely competitive yet perfectly friendly way. They upheld peace and bonhomie above everything else. That is what the world is missing when it comes to international politics and relations among the nations. This great sporting meet should be a source of inspiration to the peoples and nations embroiled in mindless hostility.

The Olympics also provide an opportunity for us to watch how the athletes are scaling new heights in their quest for excellence. The Chinese are now very close to the pinnacle of glory, though the Americans have managed to maintain their top slot. But the job has been far from easy. The Chinese are surging ahead at an amazing speed. Other Asian nations, except Japan, have not done well, though Iran and Indonesia can feel happy with their performance. The Africans have done well to defend their reputation of being unusually resilient as middle and long distance runners.

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Our subcontinent seems to be the least prepared region for such a big meet. India and Pakistan are no longer a force to reckon with even in hockey! But credit goes to the Indian shooter who won silver.

The Olympics have rekindled the hopes of building a world that will have no place for terrorists and trouble mongers, as it went on smoothly in a delightful atmosphere of festivity. That spirit must be kept alive.