Olympic Games – They are not about Sports anymore

On the eve of the opening of Olympic Games in Beijing, George Bush has come out with scathing remarks about the human rights record of China. Was he not aware of this record for the last few years when China was getting ready to host the games? Why the sudden rush to condemn a Nation with which the USA has trade, economic and political relations and from which the USA is getting billions to shore up its troubled economy.

What is this sudden Enlightenment about?

It is about playing politics. Bush is taking the opportunity presented by the spotlight on China to say a few condemning words to shore up his image in his own country.

The Olympic Games themselves have become in the last few years more political and commercial. The host nation treats it as a chance to showcase itself and its potential for investment and trade. It builds facilities in a short time by borrowing and by dislocating people and industries to receive short-term infusion of funds with hopes of long term commercial benefits. The facilities are disused and left to collapse or pulled down later or sold.

The host nation runs the risk of the media and political spotlight which will expose its undesirable features and policies.

The sponsors, advertisers, the media etc are making money out of the Games.

The awarding of the Games itself has been shrouded in scandal as the selectors are wined and dined and corrupted with gifts and even money.

The Beijing Olympics have drawn the attention of the Western Media to the pollution and smog in Beijing and how the atmosphere there compares unfavourably to elsewhere in the developed world. Instead of appreciating the efforts taken, albeight for the short duration of the Games, by China to clean up the atmosphere, the reports always have a negative slant. Was the world not aware of what the climate and atmosphere would be in Beijing in August when the Games were awarded? What is the point of berating China?

If pollution is a relevant topic in the Games, are not the USA, UK and other western countries to be blamed more for the irresponsible use of natural resources and increasing
Global Warming and bringing the Earth to its present state now?

And if human rights is to be the focus, is not the USA and George Bush responsible for invading Iraq under false pretences resulting in the killing of thousands of Iraqis and causing indescribable damage to that nations and its people? USA is on the same floor as China in this regard, witness the Gitmo and Abu Graib.

The Olympic Games have ceased to be about promoting Sports and athletic competition and about fostering friendship among people as was intended by the Greeks centuries back and when the Games were revived later.

They have become more about making money, showcasing and the downside is inviting criticism and condemnation.

I am looking forward to the treatment London will get during the next 4 years in the run-up to the 2012 Games.