In 1980 the Olympic games, were held at Moscow, the
capital of U.S.S.R. These games are held every four years. These games were
first of all instituted by the Greeks. They were - organized after every four
years at a place called Olympus in Greece. Athletes from all over Greece used to
go to Olympus to take part in these games.
These games were combined patriotic religious and
athletic festivals held every four years. The first such recorded festivals of
games was held in 776 BC. The date from which the Greeks began to keep their
calendar by ‘Olympiads”, for four year span between the games.
The Olympic games were organized in the modern age
in the 1896, when they were held at Athens in Greece. The credit for their
revival goes to the great efforts made by Baron de Courbet in, a French
educator. He revived these games to foster better international understanding
though the universal medium. of youth’s love
for athletics. After 1896 they have been held more or less every’ fourth year.
The venue of the games is changed from country to country.
Thousands of athletes from all countries of the
world participate in these games which are held in high prestige. These games
are the symbol of international friendship and brotherhood. The Olympic symbol
compresses of five rings of circles linked together to represent the sporting
friendship of all Asia, Africa, Australia and America. Each ring is of
different color i.e. blue, yellow, black green and red.
The Olympic Flag has interlocking rings on plain
white background. The Olympic flame symbolizes the continuity between the
ancient and modem Games. The torched used to kindle the flame is first lit by
the sun’s rays at Olympia in Greece arid then carried to the site of the games
by relays of runners. There it is kept burning till the last day of the games.
Ever athlete of the host country recites the oath
that he will take part in the Olympic Games respecting and abiding by the rules
which govern them. The Olympic heroes received a crown of olive branches in the
ancient times. But in modem Olympic Games the winners are given medals and
certificates. The athlete standing first gets a gold medal, a silver medal is
given to the second and a bronze medal is awarded to the players standing
third. At present there are 21 sports which are played at the Olympic Games.