Let the Games Begin

The well-known Brazilian spirit will be omnipresent during the Games, as some of the best sports persons perform in Rio. The presence of legendary names like swimmer Michael Phelps, sprinter Usain Bolt and badminton star Lin Dan Adds to the glitter of the games. In fact, what makes it even more special is the fact that these greats have declared Rio as their last Games, which is the first in the Southern hemisphere.

- Rakesh Rao

Brazil, a country known for colourful, vibrant carnivals and an insatiable hunger to party, is set to host what could well be its biggest celebration.

Come August 5, the city of Rio de Janeiro will host the XXXI Olympic Games, where over 10,500 athletes from 206 nations will display their talent for medals that mean much more than money for most. At stake will be 306 medals from 42 disciplines at 32 venues.

THE GAMES comes at a time when the international order is shaky for reasons that include the Great Recession, inequality of income and the falling oil prices, even as the European Union is preparing to deal with the fallout of the Brexit. An alarming spurt in terrorist strikes and wars has cast a shadow over the prospects of sustained harmony around the world.

FOR BRAZIL, battling its own economic and political turbulences, it appears a major challenge to deliver a memorable Games. The crisis has led the government to the verge of bankruptcy. An estimated $12.3 million has been spent in and around Rio on infrastructure and towards Games related expenditure in a country where roughly 12 million people live in slums.

Known for its inviting beaches, Brazil is struggling to complete the cleaning-up operation after a part of its coastline was awash with dismembered body parts. Garbage, human waste and untreated sewage have added to the problem.

As a result, some top names, including the creamy layer of world golf, have withdrawn doubting the ability of the authorities to deal with the Zika virus.

The drought-hit country mainly relies on hydroelectricity. Given the severe drought, the chances of power cuts during the Games are very high.