Rio 2016: Small-town girls, big dreams

Small-town girls Deepika Kumari (archery) and Dipa Karmakar (artistic gymnastics) are perfect examples of Cinderella stories coming true. Archer Deepika, born to a father who drove an auto-rickshaw, learnt the sport while aiming at mango trees with homemade bamboo bows and arrows. Her journey from her days of financial struggle to World No. 1 in 2013 is an inspiring one, and the 22-year-old would be keen to erase the painful memories of 2012 London with a strong showing this time.

Karmakar, who will be the first Indian gymnast at the Games after 52 years, took up the sport at the age of six and was training with equipment made from the second-hand parts of a scooter till a few years ago, until her big leap earlier this year brought her into the limelight.

Besides them, there are many who have the ability to surprise and a few who can shine again. Bindra is known for his precision, Paes can never be ruled out while Gagan Narang too understands what it takes to deliver at the big stage.

Young boxer Shiva Thapa will carry the hopes in boxing, Anirban Lahiri will be keen to make it count in the absence of big names as golf makes its Olympic return, while Vinesh Phogat believes she can change the way people view women wrestlers in the country.

Young athletes Dutee Chand, Srabani Nanda and the 33-year-old Vikas Gowda are the ones who dream of writing their own fairy-tales.

It is time to shape them into a reality. Let the Games begin