India at Beijing Olympics 2008: The Opening Ceremony

The Olympics kicked of today the 8th of August, 2008 at Beijing with it's Grand Opening Ceremony.

India's small contingent of 98 including 56 athletes and a support-staff of 42 officials led by Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore carrying the tri-colour looked a bit shoddy with their mis-matched outfits. The Indian Olympic Squad looked good from far, as the male members decked out in off-white sherwanis. But as they came closer, things looked hardly impressive with the female members of the contingent making it a veritable go-as-you-like with their contrasting outfits that made them look completely misfit for the occasion.

The tennis duo of Sania Mirza and Sunitha Rao, attired in black trousers and practice jackets, looked completely out of sorts and the contrast was even more jarring to the eyes as going side by side was Delhi paddler, Neha Aggarwal who chose a greenish saree for the occasion.

While the crowd roared with excitement to greet them, including Congress president Sonia Gandhi, one can only feel that they should have been better organized and more formal in their setting and presentation.

While I have the utmost respect for each and every sports person at Beijing for getting as far as they did, judging from the carefree and laid back attitude at the opening ceremony...it make's me wonder whether we really stand a chance at winning any medals this year or are we just there for the ride. Let's just keep our fingers crossed and pray the players performances in their respective events isn't as boring, unorganized and sloppy as their entrance today.

The Indian Contingent at the 2008 Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony

Rajvardhan Singh Rathore carries the flag of India during the opening ceremonies for the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Friday, August 8, 2008.


(AFP Photo)


(Reuters Photo)


(AFP Photo)


(AFP Photo)


(AP Photo)

Related Articles:

India at Beijing Olympics 2008: The Indian Squad
Indians to watch out for in the 2008 Beijing Olympics
Indian Athletes Competing in The 2008 Beijing Olympics
India's Best Shooters at The Beijing Olympics 2008
India at Beijing Olympics 2008: India's Tennis Hopefuls