Facts One Needs to Know About the '2016 Rio Olympics'

BENGALURU: Olympics held once after every four years is the biggest sporting extravaganza in the world. With athletes from numerous nations taking part across a variety of competitions, spectators are treated to some spectacular performances during the course of the event. This year Rio de Janiero would be the first nation in South America to play host for the world’s top athletes who will aim to bring glory to their nation by performing on the biggest sports stage. Scheduled to be held between August 5-21 across 33 venues, the players will compete in 28 different disciplines. Here, we reveal some amazing facts about this year’s Olympics that you may not be aware of as listed by The Times of India Sports.

1. This Olympics would be first instance when a team of refugees would be competing under the Olympic banner. The team comprises of ten sportspersons which includes two judo players from the Democratic Republic of Congo, two swimmers from Syria, one marathoner from Ethiopia and five runners from South Sudan. The International Olympic Committee insists that the move is a signal to the international community that refugees are our fellow human beings.

2. Golf will be a part of the sporting events at the 2016 Olympics after a long absence of 112 years.

3. Athletes from as many as 206 nations would assemble at Rio de Janiero for this year’ Olympics. The total head count of athletes and officials present at the Games is expected to be 17000.

4. Another fascinating fact about the Rio Olympics is that 60,000 meals would be served per day at the Games village. Diners will have the option of choosing from five different buffets namely — Brazilian, Asian, International, Pasta and Pizza as well as Halal and Kosher.

5. The venue for the opening and closing ceremony of the Olympics to be held at the Maracana stadium can accommodate a total of 78,000 people. It is largest stadium in the country and the second largest in South America behind ‘Estadio Monumental’ in Peru.

6. The International Olympic Committee is providing 4,50,000 condoms, three times more than being made available for the London Olympic Games four years ago. The rise in the number is being linked to the outbreak of Zika virus which can be transmitted by mosquitoes as well as sexually. Zika Virus is linked to Microcephaly, a condition where babies are born with undersized brains and skulls.

7. Brazil is expecting more than five lakh tourists from all around the world to be part of the Olympic games. And with as many as 7.5 million tickets on sale for sports fanatics to witness their favourite events, the authorities would want to make sure that the Olympics Games are a grand success.

Read Also: Twitter To Live-Stream Sporting Events From U.S. Universities
Double Bonanza: Praneeth, Manu-Sumeeth Win Titles At Canada