The book concludes with a poignant reference to an Australian athlete. She was acclaimed as one of the most successful athletes to have represented a great sporting nation, winning sprint doubles (100m and 200m) at the Commonwealth Games in 1970 (Edinburgh) and 1974 (Christchurch) and signed off with a gold in 400m at Brisbane in 1982. She also won three Olympic silver medals (one in 1968 and two at the next Games in Munich). In 1995, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and two years later she sold one of her Olympic silver medals to raise funds and meet her medical expenses. She is presently living in Queensland.
The much-decorated Raelene Boyle richly deserves this space in ‘The Commonwealth Games Quiz Book' by Vijaya Khandurie. The Commonwealth Games are here but, sadly, negative publicity has cast a depressing spell over this avidly awaited sporting event in Delhi. Official merchandise, CWG-related cultural and entertainment shows, official theme songs, have slipped into the background as the organisers have struggled to cope with demands.
Painstaking research
This book is a welcome change. It does not enhance the quality of the Games but does take you on a trip that tests your memory and sporting knowledge. Khandurie has been associated with various schools for more than four decades and understands the subject well. His research has been painstaking and this is a laudable effort to make the young generation aware of the CWG with some interesting questions in this effort, one of his many on word games, science and sports.
Any literature on the CWG is welcome. The Games village has launched a newsletter but the access to it is limited to its residents. This quiz book brings information of a different kind, not the mundane results, but some lively anecdotes brought alive in simple form. Published by Rupa & Co, and priced reasonably at Rs.99, it is worth a buy.
Published - October 06, 2010 08:54 pm IST
