Beijing Olympics: Mirror of the Pretty Faced Dragon
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China made it clear on August 8, 2008 that when she seriously takes up any project; she ensures that it is the best. There is not a single person on this planet who will disagree that the opening ceremony for the Beijing Olympics was stunning. No one could find a single flaw in the over four hour marathon.
China’s image had been on a downward spiral in recent times, starting from the toy-paint lead controversy, to situations involving Tibet and Sudan, and of course, probably thousands of Human Rights violation allegations. However, on last Friday, China showed that “they can”. The precision with which they blended artistic skills and technology was amazing. Unwarranted departure by Steven Spielberg from the opening ceremony artistic committee did not affect them at all. In fact, I would believe that Mr. Spielberg’s absence had made it possible that all credits goes to Shen Wei, the choreographer.
The Chinese had started taking Olympic Games so seriously, that even anyone watching the Olympics on television can feel the tension every Chinese athlete are going through. Those winning the Gold are blessed. But frustration, despair surfaces on faces of athletes when they miss gold or the chance seems bleak. Yesterday, watching women gymnasts’ faces during some of their embarrassing performances made us sad. It is evident that consequences of not securing a gold will not be good. How? That is something the Chinese would not let the rest of the world know.
Ever since the launch of the Project 119, the Chinese are determined to win as many golds as possible, even though they are outside the scope of the project. A report by PricewaterHouse Coopers estimates that the gold tally for the Chinese will be 88, topping the chart followed by the United States with 87 Gold medals. We have to wait to see if this projection comes true. However, now in the beginning days of the Olympics, China is definitely showing its edge as an emerging leader. China is poised to mark the Beijing Olympics as a turning point in the history of China. It will change the way China is perceived by the rest of the world. It is the awakening of a New China - the one portraying their determination, a positive attitude and a symbol of victory, not to be underestimated.
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