With just 30 days remaining for the Rio 2016 Summer Games and preparations already in full swing, one of India’s most decorated Olympians, Balbir Singh Dosanjh and Minister of State- PMO, Mr. Jitendra Singh unveiled “My Olympic Journey”, a book penning down memoirs of 50 Indian Olympians.
The book, written by Sports Journalist Digvijay Singh Deo, and Amit Bose was launched at an event attended by renowned faces of Indian sports. Attending the event were Olympic Medalist Karnam Malleswari, Gagan Narang, Khel Ratna recipients Manavjit Singh Sandhu and Ronjan Sodhi, Former Cricketer Bishen Singh Bedi, BCCI Treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry, members of the Indian Olympic Association and sports-persons.
The book is a collection of stories highlighting the trials and tribulations of 50 Indian Olympians in their journey in making to the Olympics. The stories include Leander Paes, Abhinav Bindra, Karnam Malleswari, Milkha Singh, PT Usha and Anjali Bhagwat among many. Going behind the scenes, the book, published by Penguin Random House, it provides many inspiring tales, providing unveiled close ups to the lives of these athletes.
Speaking about the book and the topic taken on, Digvijay Singh Deo, said, “It’s imperative that more literature is published that highlights the struggles of our athletes in actually reaching the Olympics, rather than just placing. Far too many times, there have been instances where the pleas of these warriors have gone unnoticed. This book is an attempt to inspire the next generation, while bringing to prominence unknown aspects of the journey.
The Indian Olympic Contingent’s Goodwill Ambassador and India’s only individual Olympic Gold Medalist, Abhinav Bindra spoke highly about the authors and their choice of topic, in a video message to the people involved.
The Hockey stalwart Balbir Singh Dosanjh, after unveiling the book, said, “I think a book like this is long overdue. Until and unless people really understand what goes into reaching the Olympics, the respect for an athlete will not grow, and this book provides exactly that.”
The 376 page book is priced at INR 299. It is available in all major bookstores. It is also available on Amazon and Flipkart.