Let the Games begin: Indian athletes seek to script a fresh chapter in country's Olympic history

Will host Great Britain overtake Russia to the third place in the medals tally, or — more importantly — can the US wrest back its No.1 status from China? As another edition of the Olympics unfolds, these will be the serious questions, even though the world may be more than keen to follow the battles between Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake and Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte, says a report in The Hindu, adding that naturally, most of the attention is on whether Phelps will add to his collection of 14 gold and two bronze medals, to be No.1 in the all time list of Olympic medal winners.

“He may not be as intimidating as he was when he swept the eight gold medals — with world records to boot — in Beijing, but he will have seven races in London to further swell his collection,” adds the report, adding that Bolt’s defeat in the selection trials in Jamaica may actually be just the wakeup call he needed.

“He may not be as complacent as he apparently was in the 100m final in Beijing, where he indulged in some show-boating over last 40 metres as he took gold with a world record time. Usain Bolt is all over London around now, staring at you out of the huge banners, as the slogan ‘inspiring a generation’ greets you at every turn,” says the report.

As the London Olympics 2012 begins today, around 10,500 Olympic athletes and 4,200 Paralympic athletes will compete for glory across 34 venues - some new, some age-old, like Wembley Stadium and Lord's Cricket Ground. 

A report in The Times Of India says that controversies and rows will take a backseat as the Big Games begin today. Every Olympian, sportsperson and sports-fan is looking forward to the Opening Ceremony of the London Olympics 2012 and the sporting events and competitions to follow.

“The mood is upbeat, Indian sportspersons and fervent fans have their eye on the gold.  The players have been training well and hard, soaking in the spirit of the game at the Olympics Village in London. Some have been constantly keeping fans updated on the goings-on at the Village. Each representative of the different sports is a picture of confidence. Will they do the country proud? A determined 'yes' has constantly echoed from the players prior to their London departure. It will be an honour for them; a moment of high achievement for the country,” says the report.

Meanwhile The DNA writes that armed with a new-found self-belief, India's top athletes will seek to script a fresh chapter in the country's Olympic history as they go into the 30th edition of the sporting extravaganza from tomorrow with a realistic chance of winning medals.

“Never before has an Indian contingent raised so much expectations and London could just be the launching pad for a new sporting era. In the coming days, a record number of 81 Indian athletes, the highest in any Olympics so far, will take part in 13 disciplines with serious medal prospects in archery, boxing, shooting, badminton, tennis and wrestling,” says the report.