Curling

One of the strangest sport in Olympics is Curling. Possibly, the only sport that uses house sweeping utensil and turns it into a vital sporting accessory. It could not possibly be classed as a sport as there is no real exertion other than a lot of shouting, sliding, and sweeping. It reminds one of what bored people would do as a past time if they were living in places like Yukon and reusing whatever they had available around the house in the bitter cold. It also uses attire that almost mimics that of a reminiscent pyjama party. Also, the sport is even accessible to 5 year olds and beauty pageants. There is also an immense amount of growling like a cat woman. It is also one of the very few sporting activities that allows one to adorn themselves with jewelry and makeup while playing. Even Google search seems to think Curling is not a sport as it is often the first auto-suggest filters available. There is also huge amount of shouting that teammates have to put up with almost like being out with a drunkard. Pets are even allowed to take part. One can wonder if there is anyone out there that has ever had to decide between cartoonism or curling as their profession and even attempt to get a doctorate in the subject matter. Unfortunately, the sport appears to be gaining in popularity every year. Most likely because like darts one rarely has to flex their muscles all that much and is accessible to anyone that has ever had to clean around the house. There is even a Curling book for dummies. Strangely, it is also classed as 'chess on ice' with stones and brooms as opposed to artfully crafted pieces.  One can wonder how sports like Curling gained such an appetite and became so popular whereas Squash has yet to be entered into Olympics.

Sochi Games

A massive opening to the Sochi Games marks a new start to the Winter Olympics. Although, the ceremony was symbolically tarred with the failed snowflake, it did not deter the auspicious display of the ceremony. Even the fireworks display was better compared to the London New Years Eve. It is yet to see how the Gay rights agenda will dissipate into the commencement of the Games, with the competing athletes, and the Olympic audience. There is much at stake for Russia and the spectacle on display for the whole world to see. However, Winter Olympics have never really captured the same level of audience as the Summer Olympics. The Games overtime have become a commercialized event for global marketing at a massive scale. Only later do the economic effects of such expense become visible both for the good and detriment of the country.

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The Games of 2012

Now that the Olympics are over and the Paralympics soon to begin, it seems like almost sad such magnanimous reunion of all athletes combining and visiting London from all walks of life ending in unison. I wondered why the world could not be like that every day. I remembered the song by U2 "where the streets have no name" and imagined if only such a life really did exist. But, then there would be no nations and no need for nations competing against each other. It was essentially the Greeks that invented such Olympic games and grew out of the gruesome and relentless wars of time. Another four years wait till we see another Olympics event. Some things are just so complex in life in intricate balance in the world that it almost makes it inexplicable to explain why things happen the way they do. Why there is always end and a beginning? Why people just can't live together? Why the Euro crisis had to occur? Why do nations even exist? Do we really need to be part of a nation to belong somewhere? Does cultures and traditions hold any boundaries? Also, why is it that some athletes take part in both Olympics and Paralympics? Do they necessarily put other athletes at a disadvantage? If people can take part in both then surely they should only be allowed to take part in the Olympics. After all, Paralympics is for those people that are unable to compete at same level on the Olympics circuit. Moreover, as the Paralympics take their time to begin let us hope it shapes and motivates more people to support the events and the need for sports in all our lives as not only an entertainment value but a true glory in the spirit of achievement, hard work, the relentless pursuit of being the best at something that takes one forward in life both mentally and physically, extending and growing the sense of power in self-determination and belief.

Olympics Closing Ceremony

Perhaps, the most boring closing ceremony yet. It felt like being sunk deep into a time warp. Like watching a staple of British performers most of which were so old that they sounded like they had almost forgotten how to sing their own songs. For me pressing to cartoon network on my remote was very tempting almost by virtue of the minutes that ticked by. In so many ways, and not just one, the ceremony felt like watching a retirees reunion in a big dome where all things sounded out of place even the musical notes and the harmonics in their vocals. I was aghast with the way they flamboyantly spent the taxpayers money only to provide not only a mediocre opening but also a closing ceremony. As yet, I don't feel I want to remember most of the closing ceremony. And, have to admit the Brazilian glimpse of 2016 certainly seemed more of a triumph then the whole British orchestration which just gave a new dimension of boredom that only places like the Tate Art Gallery could approve of as artistic. British are known to criticize everyone apart from themselves and yet here they left behind a very unmemorable legacy with a huge expense for the taxpayer that probably the economy will not recover from for a fair few years to come. However, some of the events were pretty well interesting to watch as Team GB won the gold. They really did outdid themselves even when it came to cheating their way for the Gold in the cycling circuit. However, the most perplexing notion for me during the Olympics was when I noticed the British national anthem play for the Team GB athletes. What were they feeling inside? Were they feeling patriotic for the country or for the queen? Doesn't it make one wonder a national anthem where almost every line has the word queen in it. Where is notion of democracy and the patriotism for the country? Does the British army fight for the queen or the country? Are those medals being won with the spirit of Great Britain or with the spirit of the queen in their hearts? If I was on that podium listening to the national anthem play I would be a bit confused. I got the blue, red, and white stripes on only to be relegated. Don't really know how I would feel about that. Perhaps, the British national anthem needs to change so it represents the country and the people of a great nation a bit similar to the American national anthem. I suppose only time will tell. But, then as things change the more they end up staying the same. Do people in Britain really have a voice? Was the Olympics really the peoples' games this year? Who really knows other then the so many corporations that benefited at the occasion. But, one thing is for sure, Olympics do really bring out a sense of collective solidarity and the sense of how nations can really get along together even through the motions of sports.

If Squash Was in The Olympics

Not all Olympics sports appear to be fashionably popular across the world. So, why are some sports events selected for Olympics and some aren't. Is Olympics Games meant to only showcase sports that  can be viewed by a massive audience? What are the limitations behind their selectivity process? Some events cannot even realistically be classed as sports because they provide for no real mental or physical exertion. Take for example, archery and shooting, in what form do they provide for a mental and physical exertion? They more like darts and snooker, a bit like what I would call pub games, standing in one place and trying to find something else to do other then watching football on TV or talking to girls while still making sure one is is close to his/her pint. Even weightlifting, what is so sporty about the whole idea of making oneself more muscular and able to lift weights. For me gym, is not exactly like sports. It is something one does as part of preparation for sports to get in shape so to speak. Even events like BMX, they not really qualified to be in Olympics category. BMX just like skateboarding has always been more of a social sport, teenagers getting together to find something to do between home and school to avoid getting into trouble. I often wonder why Squash is not part of the Olympics. Squash is a fast sport, makes you run, stretch, mentally plan shots, and it also hurts really bad when one gets hit by the ball from an opponent at back. It is one of the very few games that you can play to build your stamina, get in shape, and burn heaps and heaps of calories. It is also one of the best games to keep your heart in shape and yet exerts a lot of effort across your legs and back and arms. Almost every part of the body gets used even the brain. Squash is a mix between racquetball and tennis. Squash also one of the very few sports that can be played in almost any poor country in world with even makeshift walls. As all you really need is four walls and a tin at the lower end of the front wall. Also, rubber is available almost every where in form of reusable condoms and tires, going further even through hides from farming animals. Is it any wonder why some of the very best, Squash players appear to have an Asian background. Perhaps, the western world does not seem to appreciate the sport as much as the Asian subcontinent. Or, perhaps, it is down to their dominance. Further, it could all be just to do with fact that the sport has a very limited view for a spectator to watch making it difficult to sell tickets. Nevertheless, I feel a sport in Olympics should really be one that not only stretches an athlete mentally but as well as physically. And, Squash excel in both areas. Squash is even a non-sexist sport in that respect making it equally accessible for both men and women. It is quite surprising that women can take up swimming but they don't bother to take so much as a chance to explore Squash. I would have thought if a woman did her swimming every week and squash every other day of the week, then  there would be no need for diets. In fact, most active Squash players prefer to attend the gym first, play Squash then swim or a similar combination. Even adding a run, jog, or cycling there would not be unthinkable. Possibly, be one of the most healthy ways of keeping fit. I am hoping one day Squash will qualify for the Olympics. The sport could use more awareness and more people willing to take it up as an active sporting and social activity. It is surprising how Tennis seems to be so much more popular then Squash. Even though, someone who plays Squash can easily increase their game play in Tennis. However, the same does not hold the other way. It is really only for time to tell when such an awesome sporting activity like Squash will truly find its place in the Olympics.