How India's Path to Greater Olympic Glory Is Long But Exciting

          Indian athletes can learn much from Chinese, Japanese, and Korean success, both from  a performance and suitability point of view. We have competed with China in badminton and, in some cases, have stolen their thunder or at least tapered it. From a physical standpoint, the smaller, leaner, and, in most cases, similar height means India can compete in several sports where these physical traits are a plus.

A case in point is table tennis, where India has underperformed, but recent performances give us hope for a better future. Sports like diving, shooting, weightlifting, martial arts, and gymnastics, where these countries dominate, offer pathways for India to grow its medal count in the future.

With cricket joining the Olympics in 2028, one medal can be banked upon for some Olympics to come. Gymnastics is another sport that India can work on, with flexibility, strength, and discipline all packed in a compact frame, serving as a pedestal we should aspire to.

India has underperformed in shooting, but by providing calmness and big-match temperament, we can overcome the last hurdle we seem to fall short of. With an improving economy, better nutrition, surging sports attention, and sports as a source of livelihood and glory, the Indian sporting scene is only going to thrive from now on. It is only a matter of when.

These sports with the most medals in the Olympics should be our aim:

• Athletics (48 medals): Athletics is of prime importance, with many examples to inspire us. Given our varied demography, features, and natural abilities, India can continue to scale the medal count in athletics.
• Swimming (37 medals): The atrocious or non-existent record in swimming must be addressed. With India having one of the biggest coastlines, along with immeasurable rivers and river systems, India’s arrival on the world stage in swimming is only fair. This should be a focus to make a dent in the swimming arena dominated by a few countries.
• Judo amp; Shooting (15 medals): With size and girth not amounting to much, for the most part, judo and shooting must yield a minimum haul. With the potential to rise rapidly if resources and the right training are provided, these sports could become key medal contributors.
• Artistic Gymnastics amp; Rowing (14 medals): With a wealth of geographic diversity and a skill pool, artistic gymnastics and rowing have immense hope. A school programme and scholarships to centres of excellence in India and abroad are a must for success to slowly usher in. Rowing, especially considering its cultural and traditional place in various parts of India, from Kerala backwaters to the Brahmaputra valley, holds significant promise.
• Boxing (13 medals): While boxing has bagged medals for India, with heroes and a rich pedigree, quality coaches, enhanced diet, training, and exposure, India can become a boxing giant like Cuba, with medium funds but a vision of excellence.
• Fencing, Track Cycling amp; Freestyle Wrestling (12 medals): Fencing, though currently restricted by cost, still has its upside. Track cycling has immense promise as it is easy to start. With the right infrastructure and training, India can prosper, especially if racing tracks and velodromes are constructed and made accessible. Freestyle wrestling, particularly in states like Haryana, Punjab, and the Northeast, offers unparalleled talent and can strive to create a Dagestan-like wrestling hub.
• Sailing, Weightlifting, and Canoe Sprint (10 medals): Sailing, though not a traditional sport, will grow in popularity. Weightlifting, where China dominates, should be a priority area for India. Canoe sprint reminds us of Kerala’s snakeboat races, where talent abounds. With the right incentives, India can drive on here too.
• Other Sports: Diving, Taekwondo (8 medals each), Canoe Slalom, Equestrian, and Greco-Roman wrestling (6 medals each): These sports have significant opportunities to tap into. The Indian Olympic Committee should nurture and develop roadmaps for young athletes to give their best.

With major sporting nations and regions like the USA, Europe, Russia, Australia, China, Japan, and the UK dominating the Olympic medal tally, India currently sits at only 37 medals. However, with the right strategies, this could change, leading to more shared medals and increased competition. This will ensure that medals are earned rather than assured, making the sporting story very interesting in the future.

By ramping up investment, support, information, facilities, and competition, sports can enter the main stage of conversation in India, shifting from mere entertainment and patriotism to viable career choices, along with being areas of investment and marketing. This will help India be recognised as a sporting nation, impacting soft power portrayal, boosting morale, and promoting fitness across the country. Without this dedicated approach, India risks drifting towards the bottom rather than surging towards China.

With the USA, Russia (USSR), Australia, UK, United States (USA) with 2,629, Russia (RUS) with 1624, Germany (GER) with 1386, Great Britain (GBR) with 916, China (CHN) with 636, France (FRA) with 751, Italy (ITA) with 618, Hungary (HUN) with 511, Japan (JPN) with 497, and Australia (AUS) with a total of 164 medals at the Olympics, the task is monumental but never impossible. They need more competition with India, currently at only 37.

By nurturing the interest or developing them so India can be a contender and young ambitious sportspersons of the present and future are given direction to excel and set an example to fill themselves and the country with glory is the ideal way ahead. So like you, I am filled with more hope than pessimism.

#Olympics #IndianSports #Sports #TheOlympics #Opinion #India 

I think I am Samsung...

         

         Having used iPhone and Blackberry,

Finding phones became a worry.

After Blackberry folded, Nokia plummeted,

iPhones seemed the only one merited.

Then iPhone became the alpha of pride and prestige,

The price point and value seemed a bit vestige.

For an all-time online person, the charge duration became omnipotent,

The fancy camera, security, and flashy curves seemed unimportant.

After much thought and frugal serendipity, Samsung was chosen,

Then eventually after relearning the use of mobile, an awakening had risen.

The flexibility was as much as a Chinese make and the usability of an Apple,

Slowly it dawned on me that sometimes the mid-path is often supple.

I tread the path of center, the tech not political, oh, time's up, my phone has rung,

Although I hope that Google, Nokia conjures up better, for now, I am Samsung.

#Samsung #TechJourney #MobileChoice #PhonePreferences #TechAwakening

Lessons My Mother Taught Me That Still Guide My Everyday Life & Work

Mothers have a profound impact on shaping our character and values. These lessons have proven to be invaluable in facing challenges, maintaining relationships, and striving for personal and professional growth.

1. Start with the Easiest, and It Gets Easier: Begin tasks with the easiest part, and as you build momentum, even the most challenging endeavours become manageable.

2. Respect and Learn from Your Opponents: Give your best until the very end, respect opponents who have outdone you, and congratulate them regardless of the result.

3. Embrace Wholehearted Commitment: Dedicate yourself fully to tasks, projects, and relationships, as half-hearted efforts rarely yield satisfactory results.

4. Focus on the Present, Give Your Full Attention: Be fully present when spending time with someone, actively listening and engaging in the present moment.

5. Silence is an Opportunity to Learn: Practise active listening and use moments of silence to absorb knowledge, analyse information, and internalise lessons.

6. Surround Yourself with Those Better Than You: Seek the company of individuals who excel in areas where you aspire to improve, and support and share knowledge with others.

7. Make Every Committed "Yes" Count: Prioritise commitments that align with your values and goals, and deliver on promises made.

8. Aim for the Highest Peak without Lowering Others: Set ambitious goals without bringing others down, maintaining empathy, kindness, and respect for others.

9. Stand Out without Proving Yourself to Others: Be authentic, express your ideas confidently, and make a meaningful impact without feeling the need to prove yourself to others.

Conclusion: While these are just a few lessons, I invite you to share your own insights and experiences. All the best on your journey of growth and development.

hashtag#Mothers hashtag#Mother hashtag#ProfessionalDevelopment hashtag#CareerGrowth hashtag#BusinessNetworking hashtag#LeadershipSkills hashtag#WorkLifeBalance hashtag#IndustryExperts hashtag#JobOpportunities hashtag#LinkedInNetworking hashtag#WorkplaceSuccess hashtag

Lessons gained from business and life that are rhetorical and yet true.'

'Some lessons I gained from business and life that are rhetorical, antithetical and yet true.'

Just because it's easy doesn't mean everyone can do it,

Just cos it is hard dont mean it is more rewarding,

If someone is twice as talented, you can still work thrice as hard,

Copious hate lets you appreciate gentle love more and far,

Vested help has damanged many affectionate promises,

Near misses doesnt mean it should thwart your instinctive senses,

There may be great darkness even in a star,

Being kind doesn't mean you haven't been harsh on yourself but dont confide,

Even a crowd could mean no one is left beside,

Being lazy could mean you have learnt enough for the effort to hide,

The best acceptance is when leaving is made easy,

Reprimands done with control lingers more and leaves space for more,

Time has converted many a insults to fame,

Grow everyday, keep going little evey time, cos patience and perseverance is your game.

#sundaythoughts #learnings #words #poems #poemoftheday #contentwriter 

Some Learnings, Mistakes & Experiences...

If you are small, be creative...

If you are less talented, work harder...

If you are stressed, walk and smile more...

If it's hard, make it simpler...

If it's many, take one at a time...

Have doubts, be brave to ask,

If there are 2 ways, take the one happier...

If it's deadline or quality, balance both...

If mundane, be artful,

If complicated, learn till easy,

If proofreading, doubt yourself,

If it's crowded, be unique,

With tech and people, enhance & appreciate,

If usual, express passionately,

If growing fast, be kind & responsible,

If no problems, still be prepared...

With success, celebrate and plan ahead...

If you know more, do share,

If impossible, be the first.

#brandbuilding #contentwriting #graphicdesign ShyBuzz

Truth be told-ing....

Don’t go sighing if your voice gets muzzled,

It’s not too long for the vice to get puzzled.

Don’t be down for your work gets unlawfully funnelled,

It’s sooner rather than later for the lax get annulled.

They have laid waste as our conscious was found wanting,

When the hands and legs never followed what our mind was flaunting.

The steps ahead might be steep, unsure and relentlessly daunting,

Then again courage and wisdom always rises up although after some prying.

Why give up for the injustice that keeps repeating,

The truth will finally race and enforce solemn repenting.

Keep being optimistic while justice is still lamenting,

Don’t wait for a signal as the wrong cringes permitting.

Being an inspiration is often easier than the finding,

Why not take a step for the better even as a trying.

There are many wrongs and perhaps not all forbearing,

Still taking a stand for just one might prove our greatest daring.

When evil rises it is the thought that faces the harshest crushing,

If only thoughts had called for the backup of action without idealistic blushing.

History judges us on the side we took when it was easier to follow the lying,

Let’s all do our best for destiny chooses us to light the right, that’s true and undying.

Oh Ammamma, My Grandmother... I Miss You So.

When we say native place, it always meant where our grandmother is,

The sight of her open arms on our arrival remains our greatest bliss.

All other relatives were surely full of delight that never wither,

But the genuineness of grandmothers' affection has no other.

Her care for us was so, we called her mother twice, Ammamma (Grandmother in Malayalam)

Our good so was paramount to her, her answer was always yes, never even might.

Her smile was so divine, feeling spiritual for that moment didn't seem so tough,

Really never saw God in his true form, but I guess grandmothers are close enough.

She sacrificed so much for us, we really couldn't express what we felt yet never said,

If only God could turn back time and give that moment to open our mind & heart by whispering... go ahead.

Her stories, her blessings and the gentle stroking of our hair still feels to be with me now,

No matter how many trips I have and how many memories I collect, won't be the same ever how.

Although she left for heaven at a time I finally could have expressed all I could,

My last words with her are something I would change for something much better, yes I would, I would.

She always gave what she had without ever wanting anything else, maybe besides a call or a small visit of love,

Yet never couldn't spare that moment, but I loved you to the core Ammamma, and await your embrace when I visit you up above 

  

Love You, Miss You So Much Ammamma.

(Dedicated to my Grandmother - Thangamani Amma)

Happy Birthday My Sister...

Oh my dear Sister you are a true wonder of splendour,
A beautiful heart, a beautiful soul, that's both steely and tender.
You are a true mender of the broken and a pillar of strength to us all,
You are our motivation, making sure we resume stronger just before we are about to stall.

You are our science and our width,
Our geography, history and our life’s length and breadth.
You have taught me so much sister without knowing,
You have guided me throughout even without saying.

Although I am too lazy to believe in the divine and keep delaying,
But I still take comfort in the fact, that for me, my lil sister is still praying.
Although you have achieved much and already made us proud,
We still want you to keep achieving the greatest and embrace the cloud.

You have always been more mature although you were little,
Guiding us through times that were tough and brittle.
With you around life is so simple and always a pleasure,
You are clean by heart and your love without any measure.

We fight, we play, but you are constantly there by my side,
We have been to places and back together and it’s been a wonderful ride.
But don't let the limitations of the mundane hold you back and hinder your stride.

You have always been smarter and understand the world's mysteries more than me,
I still would like you to keep rising above the normal and keep bringing the naysayers to their knee.
Today is your birthday sister and I would give the world if I could,
I will make good on all promises and I am sure you trust me I would.

Have a great day sister and I wish that all your dreams come true and are surpassed,
May God Bless you with all in his power so kind, so blissful and so endlessly vast.
It's a mixed feeling as today we are separated by a sea of the water, papers & laws,
But I am sure our love for each will remain like no other, no matter the claws, cause or clause.

Just remember you are the greatest, the finest, and the gloriously mighty
I am sure you will always be happy as you remain the favourite of everyone, including the almighty.
Can't wait to see you again my darling sis,
Till then be blessed with all the bliss.


Happy Birthday Dear! Take Care and God Bless. Love You Sonu!!!

Prejudice - The Silent Hurt !!!

Prejudice is venom that seethes the inside,
Slowly but surely that embroils the outside.

Victims of prejudice are oblivious to the reality,
Blaming their luck or doubting their rationality.

Prejudice may spawn from innocuous bias,
Or is bread through ones malicious desires.

Reason and intellect are compromised for indifference,
Tendency to victimize grows and overcomes common sense.

Prejudice may lead to pessimism and manifest into self destructive depression,
Leaving victims clueless as to the reason for this cruel and crushing repression.

Many are unable to fathom the right way forward and find it very hard to cope,
Pondering over the idea of submission where the notion of incompetence grows.

Prejudice is often borne out of ego and insecurity of the weak,
Where the weak try to nullify their shortcoming by calculated conjunctures.

Prejudice is often used as a tool to blunt the growth of the promising,
A de facto measure of the leader to stymie the new talent from rising.

Often the reality of prejudice is dismissed as paranoia,
But the effects of this smothering are slowly unraveling.

When faced with prejudice, patience is truly the greatest virtue,
Make sure facts and constructive criticism are not glorified lies.

Make sure to stay true to your strengths and always work on your weakness,
But don’t allow a prejudiced view be the bane that espouses ignorance.

Attitude and Success

Having the right attitude has a profound influence on how successful one’s professional and personal life turns out to be. It is the attitude with which you look at life, and the way you face and overcome the many challenges that life throws at you that shapes your graph of success and growth.

For example, if you set out towards a particular long-term goal or begin a short-term task like a college or office assignment, and are immediately bowed down by the enormity or the sheer weight of the work and expectation associated with it, you will realize that the task doesn’t get any easier from where you started out. In fact, you’ll soon realize that it only gets worse. That’s a position you don’t want to put yourself in. Trust me! I have lived through it.

Having the right attitude could mean the difference between coming trumps, and losing out by a whisker. With the competitive world that we live in today, even an iota of extra edge could either make or break your career or put a dampener on your ambitions. Consider it like a 100 meter sprint; even a split second gained or lost means a difference between greatness and the also ran.

So, next time, when you are in doubt about the power of positive thinking, just think of the times you narrowly missed out on something that you wanted badly. Ever imagined, if only you had been more positive and had put in a bit extra, perhaps the result could have been so different.

Positive attitude is not something that you flick on or off like a switch suiting your whims and fancies. It is a state of mind that you get into after proper conditioning, whereby you focus your thought process and channel your positive thinking in the right direction to make the maximum use of one's will power to attain and even surpass your immediate or longer term goals. Just like anything else, it can only be achieved through practice. As Aristotle has famously said, "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit."

Also, it is important to remember that attitude is infectious, be it positive or negative. So, make sure you are not negatively impacted by surrounding yourself with negativity and apathy. Having the right attitude can turn challenges into opportunities, obstacles into achievements, liability into assets, and modesty into greatness. If life is a vessel, and success your destiny, then having the right attitude will act as the rudder that steers your course towards success.

Henceforth, whenever you are faced with any responsibility or ambition that seem daunting and insurmountable, make sure to remove all the negativity and pessimism and face up to the task at hand with the right fervor, passion and more importantly, the right attitude. Soon, what seemed as daunting or overwhelming will soon resembles a stroll, and what seemed insurmountable slowly but surely seem clear-cut and even pleasurable.

Positive thinking makes you emotionally strong enough to effectively tackle the dizzying heights of success and withstand the excruciating pinch of failures. It allows you to appreciate the importance of learning from your mistakes and truly comprehend the adage that, as long as something doesn’t kill you, it only makes you stronger. Success is not an everyday affair, so chances are that you encounter days where nothing much happens, and days when the situation seems hopeless.

It is these days that you learn the most as against days of success which are spent more on savoring the joy of attaining a rare feat rather than consolidating and building upon it. Positive thinking allows you this opportunity to progress and improve, while negative thinking pulls you further back in the doldrums from where you began. It gets increasingly harder to emerge from them. So, master your attitude and command success!