XX Olympic Games – 1972

The Olympic Games have a profound historical significance, originating in ancient Greece as a celebration of youth and athleticism. They were held continuously for 1,370 years until they were halted by Emperor Theodosius in 394 A.D. However, in 1896, Pierre de Coubertin, a French nobleman, spearheaded the revival of the Olympics in Athens, marking the beginning of the modern Olympic Games.

Since its inception in 1896, the Olympics have been held 16 times, with interruptions during the World Wars in 1916, 1940, and 1944. Unlike other international sports competitions, the Olympics are not merely a world championship but a festival that celebrates humanity’s spirit.

India has a long-standing association with the Olympic movement, joining the International Olympic Committee in 1927. Even before this formal affiliation, Indian athletes participated in the 1920 and 1924 Games. Hockey has been India’s forte in the Olympics, with a remarkable 32-year dominance in six consecutive Olympic Games.

Apart from hockey, Indian athletes have excelled in various disciplines. Wrestler K.D. Jadav won India’s first individual Olympic medal in 1952, and athletes like Milkha Singh, known as the “Flying Sikh,” and Gurbachan Singh have made significant contributions to Indian sports on the Olympic stage.

The Munich Games, the XX in the series, held special significance for India, with participation in athletics, boxing, wrestling, yachting, and shooting. Regardless of the outcomes, India upholds the Olympic ideal that participation is more important than winning.

To commemorate India’s participation in the Olympic Games, the Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department issued two special postage stamps on August 10, 1972, reflecting the nation’s pride in its athletes and their representation on the global stage.