India’s show at the recently-concluded Tokyo Olympics moved me to recall one of the legendary Jagjit Singh’s songs whose lyrics go like this: “Der lagi aane mein tumko, shukar hai phir bhi aaye toh aas ne dil ka sath na chhoda, waise hum ghabraye toh.” When translated, it means, it took time for you (read medal in this case) to come, thanks for coming. Hope did not leave my heart, but there was some anxiety.

Golden boy Neeraj Chopra’s javelin throw landed at a convincing distance and his effort reached the hearts of all Indians. The gold medal-winning effort also announced to the world that Indian athletics have also thrown their hat in the ring to sparkle at future events.