Elasticity in body is an essential ingredient of each and every physical sport. Whatever the game you may play, first you have to be a good gymnast. That is why Gymnastics is called father of all sports.
The game has been made popular around the world by Olympic movement. Russia was the pioneer in this sport. Since the beginning of this sport, Russia is a dominant force. The major factor behind the Russian success was the Russian Army, which has adopted and nurtured this sport to new heights.
Japan was the frontrunner among Asian countries. Team Nippon seriously challenged monopoly of Russia and countries from the Russian Block at International stage. Romania, USA and China are other forces worth mentioning.
As far as team India is concerned, there participation was a joke for a long time. What an irony that Bronze medal won by Ashish Kumar in 2010 Commonwealth Games at Delhi in Floor exercise was the first medal by an Indian Gymnast at any International event. Icing on the cake was waiting. He added Silver in Vault on the next day. Ashish didn’t stop there. He won Bronze in Floor at the Asian games in the same year. It made thumping opening of Indian Gymnastic team and ignited hope in others.
Well, things have moved faster since that time. His coach Ashok Mishra is confident that lad will get better and better in coming days. Rakesh Patra is another Indian medal prospect in Rings. The 21 year old boy form Odisha is regularly scoring around 13.500 points. A score of 14.225 can give him a fighting chance of a medal at Glascow. Dipa Karmakar caries Indian Women’s hope. She is 20 years old and is form Tripura. At the National games in 2011, she made sensation by winning all the Gold in individual apparatus and all round title. She is rising up and up in International Championships. At 2013 World Championships, she finished at 18th spot on the Vault. Score of 14.57 can give her a chance of fetching a medal at World stage.
When Ashish won first medal then Russian born Indian coach Vladimir Chertkov revealed that till Aug 2009, there was no equipment. Ashish trained on hard mat till Feb 2010. Later equipments arrived which were 20 years old.
The situation is not as dull as it was 4 years before. SAI and Gymnastics Association of India have invested a lot in the game. It is a game where India can achieve more success. 54 medals were shared by 16 nations at London ’12. It’s a big cake. If laboured hard then some pieces can be snatched.
Year 2014 is very important for Indian Gymnastics. Asian and Commonwealth games are in the list of important events. If trained well then Gymnastic team of India can return home with a couple of medals at both Glasgow and Incheon.