There can't be a better time to celebrate India's stellar show at the CWG than the month the nation is observing 75 years of Independence. Sport has been a vehicle of growth for all, especially for women. It has helped them gain self-esteem, courage and a force with which to smash the hurdles of patriarchy and stigma. It has the power to unite everyone.
When Saikhom Mirabai Chanu dropped the barbell with a successful 109 kg lift, a thunderous applause roared through the hall. Chanu only stepped back gently, with her usual smile and humble 'Namaste'. Everyone was awed by the way Chanu went on to not only register India's first Gold this Commonwealth Games, but also to write a new record to her name. This is after Sanket Sargar's silver and P Gururaja's bronze, which opened India's account.
