The Olympic Games have eventually begun and in spite of the looming shadow of the pandemic, it was great to see the biggest sports spectacle getting underway at Tokyo.
The opening ceremony as expected was a spectacular show from the Japanese with a great mix of their Culture, Tradition and Technology. The highlight of the ceremony in my opinion was the display of several formations in Tokyo’s night sky by no less than 1800 drones. It was literally jaw dropping but anyways expected from the Japanese.
Another thing which caught my attention was the Team which followed Greece into the stadium. Greece were first to arrive getting the honour for hosting the first ever Olympic Games in 1896. However the second team was a special one too. It was the EOR.
Equipe Olympique Des Refugies (EOR), the Olympic Team of the Refugees was the second Team to arrive under the Olympic Flag. The Team comprising of 25 athletes from the Refugee Athlete Scholarship programme of the International Olympic Association ( IOC ), from 11 countries who have been living and training in 13 host countries. 4 more athletes from the International Judo Federation Refugee Project were also included in the team, taking the total strength to 29 in the EOR.
The efforts of the IOC are absolutely commendable and through their Scholarship programme they have given these Athletes who have been driven away from their homeland and have sought refuge in other countries, a chance to practice their sport, pursue their dreams, display their talent in front of the world, compete with the best and eventually secure their future, which every human being is entitled to.
However, we need to think, that why do we need a Team of Refugees at all. Why are people being driven away from their homelands. Why is there so much division and animosity between fellow human beings?
Its time to dissolve all the fault lines and demarcations of race, colour, religion etc. and be one single human race. The Olympics is surely one such opportunity where sportspersons from all continents, colour, race, religion compete against each other, and co-exist at one place ever so peacefully. Lets replicate this in our daily lives and let the human race triumph.
As I write, Mirabai Chanu has won the Silver for India in the 49 Kg Weightlifting event. What a performance it has been. Chanu was determination personified. It could be seen in her eyes.
Mirabai Chanu, you are a true inspiration. You have made the country proud.