Beijing 2008: Olympic Opening Ceremoney $$$

[Donald ("Skip") Conover]

Sitting here watching the Opening Ceremoney in Beijing, I'm reminded that many Indian politicians have said to me (shamelessly) that the reason China is ahead of India is that China got a 12 year head start. I can't help but muse whether, 12 years hence, Bollywood will be producing even a greater epic than Chollywood tonight, in Hyderabad or Calcutta, or Delhi, or Mumbai, or Chennai, or even Bangalore.

Since the Olympics rotates among Asia, Europe, and the Americas, the next chance for India will be 2020. If India misses that opportunity, the next chance will not be until 2032, nearly a quarter century from now! I wonder if I will live to see that! I'll do my best, but I'll be much happier if the date is 2020.

At this point of time I have to admit that I am doubtful we'll see it in 2020; and even 2032 seems questionable. India hasn't understood the need to jump start its economy like the Chinese have.

The Chinese brought in US$72 billion in FDI in 2006. India brought in US$72 billion in the 16 years between 1991 and 2006. The USA brought into the USA $99 billion in 2006; the UK brought into the UK $165 billion in 2006. The only thing that is holding India back is the wrongheaded policies, which do not welcome investment from anywhere. Indians can buy a house in the USA by going on the Internet, without ever visiting. No one asks for your passport. We welcome your money, because, unless you buy from another foreign owner, your money comes into the USA economy and stays here, improving our standard of living. I, on the other hand, am still not welcome as a real estate purchaser in India, even though my activities have created 25,000 jobs in India. How should I feel about that?!

[Donald ("Skip") Conover]

I am sorry! I wrote this introduction last night, early in the Beijing Opening Ceremony, before the paltry Indian team came into the stadium. Later in the evening, the commentators said that since 1984, when China returned to the Olympics, the Chinese have won 286 medals, compared to India's 3. They also said that India does not have an active Olympic Program.

Indians clearly haven't understood that challenging the nation with putting together such events is a huge motivator to get economic and infrastructural development accomplished. The Olympics are also a source of immense national pride!

Can India "get it together" and present a viable bid for the 2020 Olympic Games? This can only happen if a lot of people get busy in the next 4-5 years, because that's when the decision will be made--about 2012. Beijing was selected in 2001!

Knowing the blame game for failure, as it's played in India, I am doubtful we will see it! I would love to be wrong in my assessment!

[Donald ("Skip") Conover]

Raj Bhavsar, the Indian-American member of the US Gymnastics Team, and Abhinav Bindra, the Indian who won a Gold Medal in the 10 Meter Air Rifle competition, have proven that Indians and people of Indian origin definitely are capable of winning medals in even the most difficult sports. It is only a matter of will!

If India is (only) 12 years behind China, as many Indian politicians have told me, then it stands to reason that India should be able to win the 2020 Olympic Games. Trouble is, the award of the venue will happen in about 5 years. Is anyone doing anything about this? Do Indians have the Will to succeed like the Chinese on the World Stage? I wonder! Whisper who dares!