Paris, the city of light, finally closed the spectacle of a grand Olympics on a memorable note. Afterall the city is hosting the biggest sporting event on earth after 100 years. But it is not this that Indian fans will remember as much as the happenings there which swung from the sublime to the ridiculous if one were to say that of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s experience! Hopes and aspirations were loaded in the minds of the over 100 sports persons who had embarked from India for this quadrennial event. Much preparations had gone in and quite a sum invested too, to ensure nothing was left to chance. Some experts believe we were perhaps better organised that way than others, including the leading nations. The aim was to make this Olympics a trendsetter for India. In Tokyo if India had won 7 medals, its best till date then Paris was expected to stretch that even more and set a benchmark for the future. But as they say, even the best of intentions sometimes can go awry!

True, things began on a sublime note with Manu Bhaker shining in the shooting, claiming two bronze medals and just missing the third too. The effort was an instant joy-maker in India, a historic moment, with even the Prime Minister taking note and what is more calling her up to extend all words of encouragement. More was to come, it was thought genuinely and it would have but just one moment made it a shattering experience so to say. Vinesh Phogat had to bear the burden of this tear-jerker. The........

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