For a great step forward

After months of tension and controversies, CWG is all set to begin. The arrangements made for the games are now widely appreciated. Opening ceremony showcased the vivid culture of India colourfully. Now the arena is taken up by its people-the contingents. With over 6000 athletes from 71 countries, this Games is the biggest one in the history of Commonwealth games.

The games was struck with the withdrawal of several star athletes. But now along with a good number of international stars, Indian team is lining up a number of world class sportsperson. This time India is hoping more and is aiming for its best result so far in any of the International competitions.India finished fourth in the last edition (Melbourne 2006) and third in Manchester (2002). This time with the home advantage, with wide support of fans and mostly with the talented young competitors, India is hoping to finish second in the medals tally. Ahead of the Asian Games this November and the 2012 Olympics, this is a golden opportunity to take a step towards those bigger stages and bigger dreams.

One of the biggest hopes is in badminton. With world No.2 Saina Nehwal and world No.6, Diju-Jwala Gutta mixed-doubles pair, it is not just a dream. The Badminton event, without China, but with Malaysia, Singapore and England, is not lacking good competition. Indian should fight hard to keep the hopes live. Chetan Anand is also hopeful in men’s singles. Tennis is another event which India has taken as favorites. In this newly added event at CWG, Indians are top seeded. Paes-Bhupati doubles pair, Somdev Devvarman, Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza are India's main contingents. With their super performance recently, Indian team may dominate the Tennis.

Boxing and Wrestling are also events where India line-up some gold bidders. With five time World champion, Mary Kom, in women’s boxing and Olympic medal winner, Vijender Singh along with Akhil Kumar in men’s event, it is not a dream which never comes true. Wrestling team, headed by World Champion, Sushiel Kumar is also ready to pick a number of medals from the ring.

The events which India bagged a number of medals last time was shooting and weight lifting. This time in Shooting it is stronger team. Olympic Gold winner, Abhinav Bindra, Samresh Jung, Gagan Narang, etc, are aiming another gold hunt at home. Weight lifting team is also aiming the same.

In Table Tennis and Squash, it will be good competition. There also India has a good squad. Sharath Kamal, last time gold winner in TT is set for another this time. In Squash, Saurav Goshal, Joshna Chinnappa and Deepika are hoping to grab at least three medals. In Archery, India may be able to take medals with Dola Banerjee as the big name. In swimming events, where Australia and England dominates India's chances are rare.

In team events, the best hope is in Hockey. Men Hockey team, with their recent setbacks in World cup and Olympics qualifiers, will have to fight hard to grab a medal, in an event where big names like Australia, England, NZL, Pakistan and South Africa take part. In women section, India is a favorite for the medal.

At last, the most important event, Athletics. Here it is a good competition with a number of African, European and Caribbean athletes. India's main hopes are Tintu Luka, Mayookha Johnny, Ranjith and Krishna Puniya. As India's performance in track events is not much better in CWG, this time also it will be hard to grab gold from the track.

Indian team's dream of the second spot is not a milestone which cannot be achieved. India has the resource for it. With the wide support of home crowd, it can be achieved. And let it be a foundation and inspiration for the bigger events. For a better tomorrow, a great step forward. Good Luck India....