manish kumar
post news network
New Delhi, June 24: The stage is set for the formal launch of a much-awaited book that chronicles the personal journeys of 50 of India’s Olympians. And the state can be proud that its main author, 35-year-old Digvijay Singh Deo, is an Oriya.
Digvijay, who is sports editor with a reputed national television channel, had been a student of BJB College, Bhubaneswar, before he shifted to Delhi. He has been covering the Olympics since 2008 and claims his book is inspired by his experiences as a journalist.
The book, titled ‘My Olympic Journey’, is set for launch July 6 in the presence of Olympians including Balbir Singh ‘Senior’, wrestlers Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt, shooter Gagan Narang. Abhinav Bindra, the 2008 Olympics gold medalist shooter, is also likely to join via live feed from Germany.
Digvijay says he was overwhelmed by the support sportspersons from around the country gave him. The book, he claims, reflects the highs and lows of sportspersons at the Olympics.
“The book has first person accounts of Olympians. Their amazing stories and rare anecdotes are sure to regale sports fans,” Digvijay told Orissa POST.
According to the writer, the oldest story of his book goes back to 1948. “Balbir Singh, member of the Indian Hockey team that won Gold at the Olympics narrates the challenges he faced and stories that have never appeared in mainstream media,” he said.
The book also includes some rare pictures, taken from personal archives of the sportspersons featured.
The book also includes the accounts of sportswomen such as Anju Bobby George, Ashwini Ponappa, Mary Kom, K Malleswari, Saina Nehwal, Sania Mirza and P T Usha. Leander Paes, Milkha Singh, Vijay Kumar, Dhanraj Pillay, and Vijender Kumar are also among the sportsmen featured.
The book has generated quite a buzz in the sports circles and among sports enthusiasts and readers. “To feature alongside my father felt extremely special. Congratulations Digvijay Singh Deo. Waiting for ‘My Olympic Journey’,” Leander Paes tweeted.
Tennis star Sania Mirza tweeted: “Getting set for my third Olympics. Digvijay Singh Deo features [me in] ‘My Olympic Journey’, his book on India’s leading Olympians.”
The book was the result of “four months of uninterrupted hard work” for Digvijay. His book is already available on online bookstores.
Even as Digvijay prepares for the release of his book, he has an eye out for India’s prospects at 2016 Olympics. “People have high expectations of sportspersons. Support for sport has also improved. We are hopeful of better results. But anything less than the 2012 London Olympics would be a let-down.”
