Okay people, reality packs a nasty bite. Somehow the Indian sports administrators don't seem to have realised that. Otherwise why would they be plying willing hacks with tales of garnering a medal or two at the Sydney Olympic Games?
The MNCs are smarter. They've announced mega cash awards for medallists. They've nothing to lose since there'll no claimants and plenty of goodwill to gain.
Now, here's where we take a gander are what separates the men from the boys or the reality from the hype.

I. Athletics:
The Hype: We've performed well at the Asian Track and Field Meet, so, well, don't expect the worst.
The Reality: Expect it. Remember the crowning glory of Indian athletics has been two fourth place finishes. Expect the members of the present squad to struggle to make it to through the qualifiers. When it comes to the heats, they won't be able to face it.

2. Badminton:
The Hype: P Gopichand is an outside prospect for a men's singles medal.
The Reality: Outside what exactly? Outside the arena? Since Prakash Padukone managed an All England title, Indian badminton has shuttled between bad and terrible administration.

3. Boxing:
The Hype: Dingko Singh may land some form of metal. Perhaps, one of the others may pull off a fluke.
The Reality:: Dingko has an injured hand. That's like running the sprint with a twisted ankle. Believe us, Indian pugilists will be knocked out.

4. Hockey:
The Hype: We are the Asian Games champions. And, this squad has the quiet confidence that matters.
The Reality: This is a squad minus bench strength where India's best goalkeeper Ashish Ballal has been omitted for telling the sport's administrators a few home truths. Yes, Dhanraj Pillay is back, but the typical Indian failings remain: Lack of physical conditioning, lack of penalty corner conversion and the presence of its jinx, Argentina.

5. Shooting:
The Hype: The shooters have been recording scores that are close to the world marks. Perhaps, one of them will display a flash of brilliance.
The Reality: Yes, and pigs will fly.

6. Tennis:
The Hype: Glory be! Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi are together again and expect a reprise of their world beating 1999 form.
The Reality: Yes, they've gotten over their double fault but they barely acknowledge each other on the court. And, a first round exit in the US Open is hardly the best practice possible. And remember, the Woodies want to go out on the high note.

7. Weightlifting:
The Hype: Isn't this the sport where Indian women captured world golds and set records just a couple of years back.
The Reality: The past tense isn't particularly helpful when it comes to the present. And, that's really tense. Karnam Malleswari has bloated into a bodyweight category that she's never competed in and still makes the squad while Kunjarani Devi goes nuts at being omitted.


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