Dope scandals marred what was turning out to be a euphoric build-up but India’s biggest ever contingent will nonetheless be eyeing a historic medal haul when the 31st Olympic Games — the first ever in South America — get under way with the opening ceremony here on Friday.
The Indians are eyeing their first ever double-digit medal haul riding on the sheer number of qualifiers this time, standing at 118 now after sprinter Dharambir Singh and shot-putter Inderjeet Singh were told to stay back after being caught in the dope net.
There was also the drama that chased wrestler Narsingh Yadav ever since he was selected ahead of double Olympic-medallist Sushil Kumar. Narsingh was caught in the dope storm as well but managed to clear his name after convincing the National Anti Doping Agency, Nada, that he was a victim of conspiracy and sabotage.
Despite all the controversies that plagued the Olympic build-up, what cannot be overlooked is the improved performances of Indian athletes which makes them strong medal contenders.
On the first day of competition on Saturday, India can hope for a medal from Jitu Rai, the pint-sized star whose pistol has been shooting medals at almost every event he has participated in.
Jitu is the reigning 50m air pistol champion at the ISSF World Cup and favourite to repeat Abhinav Bindra’s gold medal feat of Beijing 2008.
In his fifth and final appearance, Bindra, India’s flag-bearer at Friday’s opening ceremony, will look to end his career on a high even though he has not been in top form.
Another big medal hope for India is wrestling. While it remains to be seen how Narsingh (74kg freestyle) overcomes his tumultuous build-up, London Olympics bronze medallist Yogeshwar Dutt (65kg freestyle) will be expected to to do an encore or even better his feat.
The eight-member squad will be represented in all the three formats — men’s freestyle, female wrestling and Greco-Roman.
After Geeta Phogat became the first woman wrestler in an Olympics in London, the family will see two representatives in cousins Vinesh (48kg) and Babita Kumari (53kg) who will join Sakshi Malik (58kg) to make it three in the ring.
In the boxing ring, a squad of three will carry India’s hopes. For a discipline, that had a record eight entries in 2012, this time it will be under-represented.
Of the three, there are high hopes from the duo of Shiva Thapa (56kg) and Vikas Krishan (75kg), both of whom are World Championship bronze medallists and ranked sixth in the world.
Tennis too had a controversial Road-to-Rio tale when Rohan Bopanna preferred lower-ranked Saketh Myneni over Leander Paes before Aita’s intervention stopped a repeat of a London-like skirmish.
Atlanta bronze medallist Paes will aim for his dream doubles Olympic medal in his seventh straight Games — a record for any tennis player. But it is the duo of Bopanna and Sania Mirza in the mixed doubles where India have a better medal chance.
Badminton too is seen as a medal prospect for India where Saina Nehwal and P.V. Sindhu, who won two World Championship bronze medals in 2013 and 2014.
The record entry of Indians in this edition has been due to the qualification of the men’s and women hockey teams.
The men’s team saw captaincy rotation between Sardar Singh and Sreejesh P.R. before the latter was handed the responsibility.