Rio Olympics 2016: Dipa Karmakar is a symbol of India's failure, hypocrisy and mediocrity

Rio Olympics 2016: Dipa Karmakar is a symbol of India's
failure, hypocrisy and mediocrity

Gymnast Dipa Karmakar would attempt her ''vault of
death" at Rio on Sunday night, on the eve of India's Independence Day.
While we wish her lots of luck and pray for her success, let us hope no other
Indian is forced to become a Dipa Karmakar again. True azaadi should
mean there is no other Dipa Karmakar after tonight.For, the young Tripura girl is a symbol of India's
failure, hypocrisy and mediocrity; a poignant reminder of our flawed system
that makes a young athlete put her life at risk for a medal at Olympics.Dipa's journey to the Rio Olympics and its eagerly
awaited denouement is the story of India's systemic incompetence.

On Sunday night, when Dipa competes in the finals
of the Vault event, a country of 1.25 Billion would be hoping that she wins a
medal to ensure India opens its account at the Olympics.The Olympics are nearing completion. In the first
eight days, India has not won a single medal. Most of our stars have fallen by
the wayside. Many heroes have faltered at the final hurdle.While countries with population less than a few
municipalities in Delhi figure in the list of medal winners, Indian hopes now
rest on just a handful of individuals — mostly brave, intrepid women. If they
fail, India will draw a blank.Instead of bringing home medals and glory, the
Indian contingent has brought notoriety and infamy, its high point being the
management committee's threat to withdraw Sports minister Vijay Goel's
accreditation.How does a nation with almost one-sixth of world's
entire population turn into a subject of pity and ridicule at a global event?
For answers, consider Dipa's story.The 22-year-old gymnast is in the race for a medal
not because of the coaching, facilities, equipment or because the Indian system
helped her reach that level. She is in the hunt because of her decision to put
her life on the line in pursuit of success.Dipa performs the Produnova vault at the Olympics.
It is a high-risk manoeuvre that just one more gymnast was willing to try at
Rio — a 41-year-old Russian desperate for a medal. When performing a
Produnova, she springs with her hand, performs two somersaults and then tries
to land on her feet.Even a minor mistake can lead to serious injury,
including paralysis. Death is also a possibility.But, gymnasts try this risky vault as it guarantees
them seven points because of the difficulty level and even a faulty execution
gives them a shot at a medal.Would Dipa have to take this risk if she had
access to quality coaching, equipment, social and government support? If we
were a nation that produced athletes with skills, Dipa would have never been
forced to rely on her courage.But, such is India. Here, the pursuit of Olympic
glory is contingent on an individual to transcend her love for life, put it
below the pursuit of victory.It was said of Bhagat Singh that every Indian
wanted a son like him to be born in India. But not in their own house. The same
can be said of Dipa Karmakar. Everybody wants more champions like her in India,
but only till they are not their responsibility.As long as our children compete in the IITs, IIMs,
become doctors and accountants, win Jhalak Dikhla Jaa or
beauty pageants, we are happy to cheer for every Dipa who puts her life at
stake for that one precious medal to restore the great nation's glory and
pride.