Every one expects China to do well in the 2008 Olympics including me. A question of course is ‘exactly how well will they do?’ How close will they come to the USA in the medals tally and will they even topple the USA?

China had a great Asian games but the people who matter are pushing the athletes much more. That is not all which is being done though. China is focussing on the grandeur as well - so the Olympic torch will climb the Everest. Beijing 2008 is being taken very seriously by China as we all know and we are seeing what China is doing towards this end as these news items come to the fore.

While Sydney 2000 was one of the most spectacular in recent Olympic history, Beijing 2008 might just be the most memorable. More than the boost to the rapidly growing economy, Beijing 2008 provides the chance for China to come closer to the world via the quickest of ways - sports. So, China should focus on building and growing upon an image which will reap tremendous long term returns.

The medals tally will be just one of the many things the world will be watching and how much China is able to to seize Beijing 2008 at this interesting juncture in it’s growth will be fascinating to follow.