I hoped to celebrate I- Day eve in RIO 2016 in style but it wasn’t to be. This is what Olympics is all about and that is why it is the greatest sports stage globally. On a given day even the best can be beaten. Deepa scored better than Chinese, Korean and Uzbek gymnasts and all three of them were strong medal contenders.

Our key medal hope Saina was shown the door by a 61 ranked player from Ukraine. Saina was not looking in the right shape and frame of mind from the beginning itself and she certainly didn’t come in the match positively. However, now much needed focus will be on PV Sandhu and Srikanth K and both deserve that. Both are looking very good and aggressive to go all the way. In a way this good news for Indian badminton that it just doesn’t rely only on one key player. Like China we need to build a team of world class players to dominate the game which was originated in India. I know Tokyo 2020 will have a larger Indian contingent for Badminton.

Hockey and mixed doubles tennis teams went down fighting very well though Sania and Rohan must be disappointed losing this great medal opportunity. In London 2012 by this stage we had 4 medals in place and another two were added by the wrestlers during the last two days. That prospect still seems to be in place, especially with two of our brave women wrestlers in the team this time. India is back in Greco – Roman style after a long time and they start their campaign today whereas, freestyle team will get into action couple of days later.

Vikas Krishan is till going strong and if he does well today then he is assured of a medal. We all pray for all the power be with him tonight. Lalita will run in the race of her life and hoe she has a good day.