After a really long time, the blue billion has got new heroes to cheer for. The emergence of Akhil, Vijender, Sushil and Abhinav is a welcome change. Also it is a must if any sport needs to make some noise and stand up to the giant called cricket. In a country that has downright hero worshiped cricket and no other sport, the medal winners of the recently concluded Olympics have created somewhat a stir and made people sit up and take notice. The thing that did the trick for these athletes was the surprise element attached to it. None of the medal winners were medal hopefuls when they left for Beijing. More than 99.5 % of the population strength of the country had no hopes from the contingent. The remaining .5% consisted of the families, coaches and well-wishers of the participating members, who were praying and some what hopeful. What transpired in few days in to the Olympics was Indian sports being re-written. The heroes were led by sharp-shooter Abhinav Bindra followed by a brawny Sushil Kumar. The final clincher was an attractive boxer Vijender Kumar. But even the brave faced Jitender Kumar, who fought his bout with eleven stitches on his chin and Akhil Kumar who was thoroughly entertaining were nothing less than heroes. Not to forget the teen prodigy Saina Nehwal's progress in badminton was also received well by one and all. Suddenly a nation which only rejoiced and grimaced for cricket showed a heart and interest towards other sports too. The boxers became show-stoppers, Saina replaced the perennially injured Sania in 'girl-power'. Army-man Bajranglal Takhar's rowing exploits were encouraged even if he lost in the quarters of his heats. DNA
