Thursday, August 14, 2008

The "official" squad

Thanks to a comment in an earlier post, I came across this link. When you get past the shock of an Indian being fielded in diving, you start wondering who this mystery athlete is. So on further investigation, I find this information (select India in the country drop down). This appears to list the nearly 100 squad of India, of which only 56 are athletes.


What are these folks doing in Beijing? Please enlighten me if there is a valid reason they should be there...

Why are we sending a diving official?
Why are we sending someone for soccer?
Why are we sending someone for hockey when we have not qualified?
Is Prya Ranjan DAS MUNSI the same person as the politician?
Why is the tennis squad so large as compared to other sports?


Can I apply for any of the posts? I too would have loved a trip to Beijing, and if I can get all of the tax-payers to help foot my bill, I am ready to go as an official for gymnastics, fencing (anything at all).

8 comments:

Viswanathan said...

The large squad maybe attributed to the fact that Tennis is the only team sport we have qualified.

RS said...

ott:
there was an archery team event as well which in the women participated. However there are 4 athletes in tennis and the number of officials is 11.

Unknown said...

It was shocking to see that long list of "athletes". Guess it is the same Prya Ranjan Das Munsi - but no clue as to what relevance his name has against the "soccer" team.

Even I would love to be one of those "faceless" names in that list representing say Cricket or Kabadi - does it matter if they are not part of the Olympic sport?

Viswanathan said...

Are there any Prima Donna's in the archery team? :)

Seriously, you are right about archery being a team sport. Even shooting is one.

BTW, if you get a chance to accompany any Indian team abroad, do not forget me.

straight point said...

they are taking the meaning of 'participation' in Olympics to new heights...

RS said...

@brinda - I am staking the claim to the first official pass on "book cricket" :)

@ott: they are probably there to maintain the peace - and if paes-bhupati win a medal, all will be forgiven.

yes, yes there is a long queue waiting to give me free passes/trips - will surely pass on some :)

@sp: I think it is a strategy to show strength in the opening ceremony. Did they walk?

Akshay said...

I guess it's time to use our right for information....

RS said...

akshay: good idea, we had a suggestion for a PIL as well.