London Olympic

From the Editor
A publication that isn't contemporary is lifeless. So the need for it to change (in design, content and even format) and reinvent itself from time to time is paramount. After all, change is part of the evolution of a newspaper or magazine in its ...

---

International Olympic committee

Cover Story

London set for the big day
Conscious of the comparisons that will be made with the spectacular 2008 Beijing Games, the organisers of the London Olympics are pulling out all stops to make it a success. By Hasan Suroor. 

Athletics

Enchanting panorama
Usain Bolt could still be the 100m favourite in London, but Yohan Blake, Tyson Gay, Justin Gatlin, and even former world record holder Asafa Powell could be in contention. Over to K.P. Mohan. 

Indian Athletics

Can there be a difference in script this time?
No matter how close Milkha Singh and P. T. Usha were in snatching a medal, both finishing fourth, a podium finish has remained a dream for India in athletes, writes K. P. Mohan. 

Aquatics

A return to the old pattern
Although they will only meet in two races, the battle between Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte is already breathlessly anticipated. By Shreedutta Chidananda. 

Hockey

Will India be in the reckoning?
With a blend of experience and youth, the Indian team for London could not have been better, writes S. Thyagarajan. 

Tennis

The front-runners for medals
While the fight for the top two places is likely to be between U. S. and China, the challenge from Russia and Great Britain can’t be ignored. writes A. Vinod.

---

Will the top stars deliver?
India stands a good chance of winning a medal or two in the doubles. Over to Kamesh Srinivasan. 

Shooting

India, a strong contender
Indian shooters have won two medals from five finals since the Sydney Games. Will they better that record in London? By Kamesh Srinivasan. 

Badminton

Time for Saina to prove her mettle
Saina’s triumphs in the Swiss Open, Thailand Open and the elite Indonesian Open this year have raised hopes of her being on the podium in London. By Rakesh Rao.

---

CHAT SHOW
‘No predictions, please’
“In London, I will try my best to live up to the expectations of all the Indians,” says Saina Nehwal. By V. V. Subrahmanyam. 

Boxing

Ready to pack a punch
India is sending its best-ever boxing team to London. You have a man with a proven track record in Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh and also women’s champion Mary Kom. Over to Y. B. Sarangi. 

Interview

INTERVIEW/M. C. MARY KOM
Knocking out life’s uncertainties
A demure mother of twin boys, now looked after in Manipur by husband Onler, five-time world women’s champion Mary Kom is like a whiplash on entering the ring. By Nandakumar Marar. 

Archery

Aiming for a podium high
Since making its debut in archery at the quadrennial Games, India has never come as close to winning a medal as in Barcelona. After that, none of the Indian archers have come anywhere close to being projected as a medal prospect till the six who are to represent the country in London came along, writes S. Sabanayakan. 

Wrestling

India pins hope on Sushil, Yogeshwar
Sushil and Yogeshwar are ready to compete in their third consecutive Olympics. Understandably, they are the best medal prospects for India. By Y. B. Sarangi.