Brimming with national pride

As entire India was preparing to celebrate the 75th Independence Day, our athletes in Birmingham, draped in Tricolour and holding their heads high while singing the national anthem, lived the thrill in their own distinct style

- S KANNAN

The Indian athletes in action at the Common-wealth Games in Birmingham would have been well aware of the importance of Independence Day this year. There is festivity in the air as India celebrates its 75th Independence Day on Monday.

Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a beautiful slogan, is being celebrated by millions of Indians. If putting up the national flag in every nook and corner of India reflects the mood of the nation, the athletes, too, did their bit in Birmingham. Proof of it was the 61 medals won. Twentytwo medals were gold, 16 silver and 23 bronze.

This has been one of the most emotional Independence Day preparations in a very long time. It has to do with 75 being a special number. And it also has to do with how India is showcasing its potential in various walks of life.

Mankind went through extremely trying phases during the Covid-19 pandemic in the last two-and-a-half-years. There was loss of lives, loss of livelihoods and loss in several other forms which cannot be calculated in monetary terms.

There have been upheavals for almost every family in India during this phase. One needed to find peace, solace and joy. And that is what the performances in the Commonwealth Games have brought about.

The way Indian sportspersons won medals in the last three days at the Games was a bit reminiscent of what the hosts achieved at the New Delhi Commonwealth Games in 2010. The medal tally then was different, no doubting that. Yet, for the sheer variety of medals won this time and the explosive talent of track and field coming to the fore in Birmingham has made everyone proud.