Despair :(

Hi Koko, 

In 1996, India played the cricket World Cup in India. I was in school and hopeful of a win. Instead there was a disgraceful exit - not only did we lose, we literally crashed and burnt. This Olympic reminds me of that time - it's heartbreak after heartbreak after heartbreak. 



We were so excited about the games this year. We went to Paris, saw the Olympic village being made, the larger than life rings being put in place, the t-shirts being sold along with other memorabilia. And India started strong mind you - we found 3 medals in quick succession in shooting. You were so excited to see all kinds of sports - you did not leave out any - archery, shooting, rowing, cycling, races, swimming, gymnastics, table tennis, tennis, badminton, hockey, pole vaults, high jumps, javelins - even walking!

The first heartbreak happened with our archers of course. That time one of them scored a 4 has to the most bizarre moments ever. But you were hopeful we will better our tally of 7 from last Olympics. I remember we watched Neeraj Chopra's event live. A gold for India? In track and field? Impossible we said - of course you said and then we got it. It still gives me goosebumps! 

When no one believed Lakshya Sen can go so far, you believed, and he did go far. And he played well. His loss was heartbreaking. When Indian hockey team was down to 10 men, you believed they would win and they did. Then last night they crashed out in the semis. Just when we thought at least a silver is confirmed with Vinesh Phogat we got the really sad news this afternoon that she has been disqualified. Now while the world argues over is 100 gm a negligible amount, is this a conspiracy, could she have saved a medal - what's done is done. The Cuban who literally did not lift a finger will go on to play the finals tomorrow. 

When you got off from your school bus and found out about this, I overheard the conversations of you and your friends. "Bodyshaming" - well I had to intervene and explain this is not exactly that. 

"They just don't want India to win" - I don't know what to say!

"But their water had more than permissible limit of E.coli and they are swimming" - again, I don't know what to say!

"The village doesn't even have AC" - nothing to be told again. 

"Don't worry, we will get more medals next time" - the spirit of these children is indomitable.

Just one good observation that the children are reading newspapers, they are aware of what is happening, they are watching and they are ever hopeful. On a bleak day like today, that's probably the only thing that was vaguely nice. 

Love,

Ma


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