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You never forget your first!

I may be a million miles from "home", but seeing the national anthem play and the Indian Flag hoisted in Tokyo brought tears to my eyes.

Neeraj Chopra - Olympic Gold - Men's Javelin Throw - Tokyo 2020/21

I was reminded of the couplet by Dr. Andaleeb Shadani

देर लगी आने में  तुमको  शुक्र है फिर भी आए तो 

आस ने दिल का साथ न छोड़ा , वैसे हम घबराए तो 

What a gift to an entire nation! So proud and grateful! 

As a child of the nineties with a deep love for sports, I've learned to follow the Olympics with an iota of hope and a reserve of reckless optimism for days like these.

I wish and pray that this gold, coupled with brilliant medal performances and almost victories in categories like golf inspire a generation of kids to become athletes. 

Even if they don't all become medal winners, I am hopeful that their temperament, shaped through sports, will pave the way for a "New India".

Onwards! Jai Hind! 



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