The olympic Games have a history of about 2800 years, the first recorded Games having been held in Greece in the year 776 B.C. The continuity of the tradition was broken in 394 A.D. when the then Roman emperor stopped the games by a decree. Towards the close of the 19th century, sportsmen and others interested in international goodwill decided to revievw the Olympic Games. Baron Pierre de Coubertin was maily responsible for this revival. Te first modrn Olympic Games were held in Athens in Greece in 1896. Since then, the games have been held every four years with only thee interruptions caused by the two world wars, and have proved to be the most fabulous sporting event of these times.

The XIX Games being held in Mexico City are noteworthy in several respects. The number of countries and sportsmen to be represented is expected to be the highest ever. This is the first time that te Games are being held in a developing country. This is also the first time that a venue at a high altitude has been chosen, the elevation of Maxico City being about 7500 feet above sea level.

India has been taking part in the Olympic Games since 1920. This country reigned supreme in hockey from 1928 to 1956. Losing in 1960 at the Rome Olympics, India regained the titlei 1964 at Tokyo. Other honours for India were won by K.D. Jadav, the westler who got a bronze medal in 1952 Helsinki Olympics, Milkha Singh who got the fourth place in the 400 meters run in 1960 and Gurbachan sing who secured the fifth position in the 110 meters hurdles in 1964. India has sent a 36-man contigngent to Mexico City and hopes to do well in several items.

It is, however, not the number of medals won that really matters. The Olympic Games are intended to foster international amity, by bringing togather different countries in friendly rivalry. The events at Mexico City are expected to fulfil this objective to an even greater extent than in the past. India is taking part in the agmes as a peace-loving member in the comity of nations keenly interested in the growth of international understanding in the field of sports paving the way for similar understanding in other respects as well.

The Indian P & T Department is celebrating India's participation in this year's Games by issuing two special stamps in the denominations of 20 paise and one rupee. These stamps are being released to coincide with the opening of the Games on 12th October, 1968.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India