A Torch of Controversy

As the eighth day in August 2008 draws nearer and nearer and the reality on ground nonetheless becomes ever so clearer, it sometimes still boggles the mind that the IOC ( International Olympic Commission)-under the stewardship of Jacques Rogge, its incumbent president still see no iota of wrong in allowing the game proceed in Beijing. Apart from the issue of the recent earthquake catastrophe and subsequent aftershocks in China-which our heartfelt condolences should definitely go out to families and friends of the victims- I have chosen to narrow the spotlight of this article to the human rights and political perspective of the issue. Even if this write-up is of little or no concern to the reader politically or sportswise,in the spirit of human rights all over the world it would have to prick our consciences. Regarding the forthcoming olympics the world has been polarised into two camps- in the red corner those who clamour for the boycott and in the green the ones who are of the firm conviction politics should be seperated from sports. However, this article on the other hand solely seeks to negate, if possible, the validity of the notion that politics and sports are poles apart.

First off, IOC is the governing body responsible for nominating a host for the event. The body, since founded in 1894 till present date has 16 principles or mission statements that navigate its operations. An extract of the fourth principle reads '' to co-operate with public and private organisations or authorities, placing sport at the service of humanity and promoting international peace''. With this we could safely deduce that sports was put in place to serve humanity, fostering a peaceful co-existence amongst nations. To this effect we could also agree,somewhat comfortably,that sports is one of the many tools at man's disposal for attaining world peace. The same way football or soccer over the years has become a world phenomenon that is both colour and culture blind-uniting different races and background whenever a tournament is in progress. Ultimately, the Olympic games was instituted to serve humanity, and not humanity to serve the Olympics (at whatever costs). The IOC, ambassadors for the game every now and again tout the promotion of peace, freedom and brotherly love amongst partcipating nations whilst ironically there seems to be a plot hole in the script of this olympics hosting event.Why? Because China(Her government), the current hosts as some of us may,or may not be aware have one of the worst human rights records in political history-from the gagging of journalists, to demolishing of peaceful protests as was seen in Tianenmen square in 1989 and of late the Tibet province saga,the list of shame and rights abuse goes on and on.

The question we ought to ask at this stage is if the underlying principles on which the Olympic games was founded would not be self-defeating by allowing a nation that has a record of abuse on its human rights curriculum vitae host an event that seeks to promote unity, love and peace amongst the competing nations. Would it not be farcical for according a country trading arms with the Sudanese government in exchange of oil-grossly contributing albeit negatively to the mayhem in Darfur, the right to host the nations of the world-which Sudan, the ravaged country could also be sending a contingent to? This isn't for the contesting athletes to decide-that is, if to boycott or not. It is also not up to you and I ( the spectators or viewers) to switch off our television sets when the events kick off-No. Sensibly, this should be the responsibility of the democracy-touting superpowers and leading nations of the world to mount vocal pressure and not just ''quiet diplomacy'' to ensure China does the right thing. Although there is no doubt whatsoever that China is a giant in ranking in the midst of fast emerging economic powers of the 21st century,she has also of late proven to be a ''Dwarf'' amongst the league of nations who uphold the sanctity of human rights.

So as the Olympic fever-albeit with a ''torch'' of controversy-spreads through a town near you with its flame of debate on''if to'' or ''not to'' boycott the games, let's hope Chinese government's conscience takes the driving seat.

Like a great wise man once stated and I quote ''Conscience is an open wound and only the truth can heal it''

Once again our thoughts and prayers go to the families and friends of the victims of the recent China earthquake.