Winter Olympics will begin shortly at PyeongChang in South Korea.
The official Russian Ban and the North Korea – South Korea Bonhomie are two of the most significant aspects to look out for it the event.
How did the Russian Doping Scandal Evolve?
The alleged state sponsored doping, first surfaced in the aftermath of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, in which Russia finished as the table topper.
Consequently, International Olympic Association (IOC) banned Russia from officially participating in international events in 2015.
In the current games too, the ban was retained, as investigations are pointing to a confirmed “systemic manipulation of the anti-doping rules”.
However, clean Russian athletes have been allowed to compete as neutrals under the “Olympic Atheletes from Russia” (OAR) banner at PyeongChang .
Disagreements – OAR route for Russian atheletes hasn’t gone down well with many countries despite the IOC assurances that they’ll be vetted carefully.
Notably, OAR squard is expected to consist of more than 150 members and will form one of the largest contingents at the Games.
Hence, although there will be no place for the Russian flag and anthem, the mere size of the squard makes the ‘ban’ look like a mockery.
Further, Russian athletes might even be allowed to march under their own flag at the closing ceremony if they comply to all IOC conditions during the games.
This episode has in fact fueled the notion that IOC is incabable of effectively punishing a sporting superpower like Russia.
Court Ruling - Recently, the “Court of Arbitration for Sport” overturned lifetime bans on 28 Russian athletes which was imposed by the IOC.
IOC had banned them after concluding investigations against there role in the 2014 Sochi episode, and has expressed its displeasure on the recent verdict.
Several countires have also expressed frustration at the decision, noting that it “may have a serious impact on the future fight against doping”.
How is the Detente in the Korean Peninsula shaping up?
PeyongChang is expected to help in easing tensions between the North and South Korea through people to people contact.
Notably, the two nations will march together at the opening ceremony under a flag representing a unified Korea and also field a joint Ice Hockey team.
There are questions over how the two sets of players will get along to forment a winning proportion, but the the political significance far outweighs the trophy.
This will provide the historic opportunity for the people of both countries to cheer their side together, which can contribute to building strong bonds.
North Korea has agreed to field 22 athletes in all and is expected to send hundreds of delegates and cheerleaders across the border.
How does the Indian contingent look?
India will be represented by only 2 atheletes at the even - luger champion “Shiva Keshavan” and the debutant skier Jagdish Singh.
Noably, Keshavan who has been the torch bearer for Indian at the winter games for many years, and this will be his sixth appearance.
