The countdown

Rio de Janeiro has launched the 100-day countdown to hosting the Olympic Games at a time when Brazil is mired in problems of Pakistanesque proportions. Troubled preparation is the least of the city’s worries as the country is struggling to overcome a political meltdown and an economy that is in steep decline. Brazil’s embattled President Dilma Rousseff is facing suspension from office through impeachment over corruption issues. As if that wasn’t enough, the threat of the much-dreaded Zika virus also looms large for thousands of participants and almost a million visitors who are expected to visit the country from around the globe. Security, too, remains a major issue. But despite all odds, Brazil has sounded confident that it will successfully host South America’s first Olympic Games. And Olympic aficionados are hoping that somehow the Brazilians will pull off a miracle and deliver a spectacular edition of the Games in the telegenic backdrops of Rio’s stunning beaches, hills and the famed statue of Christ the Redeemer.

Over the years, the Olympics have lost some of their sheen but the event remains the largest international sporting extravaganza. This year’s main highlights are expected to be provided by the world’s fastest man Usain Bolt. The Jamaican, twice Olympic champion, is eyeing another ‘threepeat’. Star American swimmer Michael Phelps, the all-time medal record-holder, will also be there in Rio where golf will make its Olympic return for the first time since 1904. While the world is keeping its fingers crossed about the Olympics, there is little anticipation about the quadrennial spectacle in Pakistan. Not a single athlete from the country has so far managed to qualify for the Olympics which means that in terms of participation, Rio 2016 is set to be the most forgettable Olympic Games for Pakistan in history. The country even failed to qualify for the Olympic hockey event for the first time. However, a handful of Pakistani athletes will take part in Rio but only as ‘wild cards’ that are given to nations by the International Olympic Committee to ensure maximum participation from all over the world. Pakistan has failed to win any Olympic medal since claiming a hockey bronze back in 1996 in Barcelona. It is all set to return empty-handed this time as well. Brazil, meanwhile, will continue to grapple with both expected and unforeseen problems as it looks to rise to the occasion and make Rio 2016 Olympic history’s best-ever Games.